Bicycle derailleur and link pin for bicycle derailleur

ABSTRACT

A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a chain guide, a motor unit, and a linkage structure. The base member has at least one first link-pin-receiving opening. The motor unit has at least one second link-pin-receiving opening. The linkage structure comprises at least one link member and at least one link pin. The at least one link member is configured to movably couple the chain guide to the base member. The at least one link member has at least one third link-pin-receiving opening. The at least one link pin is configured to pivotally couple the at least one link member to the base member about at least one link pivot axis. One of the at least one link pin is configured to extend through the at least one first link-pin-receiving opening, the at least one second link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one third link-pin-receiving opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle derailleur and a link pin forthe bicycle derailleur.

Discussion of the Background

A bicycle includes a derailleur configured to move a chain relative to aplurality of sprockets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicyclederailleur comprises a base member, a chain guide, a motor unit, and alinkage structure. The base member has at least one firstlink-pin-receiving opening. The chain guide is movable relative to thebase member from a lower-gear position to a higher-gear position to movea chain in an outward-shifting direction. The chain guide is movablerelative to the base member from the higher-gear position to thelower-gear position to move the chain in an inward-shifting directionwhich is an opposite direction of the outward-shifting direction. Themotor unit has at least one second link-pin-receiving opening. Thelinkage structure comprises at least one link member and at least onelink pin. The at least one link member is configured to movably couplethe chain guide to the base member. The at least one link member has atleast one third link-pin-receiving opening. The at least one link pin isconfigured to pivotally couple the at least one link member to the basemember about at least one link pivot axis. One of the at least one linkpin is configured to extend through the at least one firstlink-pin-receiving opening, the at least one second link-pin-receivingopening, and the at least one third link-pin-receiving opening.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the first aspect, it ispossible to couple the base member, the motor unit, and the linkagestructure using one of the at least one link pin. Thus, it is possibleto improve strength of the bicycle derailleur with a simple structure.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicyclederailleur according to the first aspect is configured so that the atleast one first link-pin-receiving opening, the at least one secondlink-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one thirdlink-pin-receiving opening are provided coaxially with each other in anassembled state of the bicycle derailleur.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the second aspect, it ispossible to make it easier to arrange the one of the at least one linkpin in the at least one first link-pin-receiving opening, the at leastone second link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one thirdlink-pin-receiving opening.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicyclederailleur according to the first aspect is configured so that the atleast one link member includes an inner link member. The at least onelink pivot axis includes an inner-link pivot axis. The at least one linkpin includes an inner link pin configured to pivotally couple the innerlink member to the base member about the inner-link pivot axis. The atleast one first link-pin-receiving opening of the base member includesat least one first inner link-pin-receiving opening. The at least onesecond link-pin-receiving opening of the motor unit includes at leastone second inner link-pin-receiving opening. The at least one thirdlink-pin-receiving opening of the at least one link member includes atleast one third inner link-pin-receiving opening that the inner linkmember has. The inner link pin is configured to extend through the atleast one first inner link-pin-receiving opening, the at least onesecond inner link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one thirdinner link-pin-receiving opening.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the third aspect, it ispossible to couple the base member, the motor unit, and the inner linkmember using the inner link pin. Thus, it is possible to improvestrength of the bicycle derailleur around the inner link pin with asimple structure.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclederailleur according to the third aspect is configured so that the atleast one first inner link-pin-receiving opening, the at least onesecond inner link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one thirdinner link-pin-receiving opening are provided coaxially with each otheron an inner co-axis in an assembled state of the bicycle derailleur.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the fourth aspect, it ispossible to make it easier to arrange the inner link pin in the at leastone first inner link-pin-receiving opening, the at least one secondinner link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one third innerlink-pin-receiving opening.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclederailleur according to the fourth aspect is configured so that the atleast one first inner link-pin-receiving opening includes a pair offirst inner link-pin-receiving openings. At least one of the at leastone second inner link-pin-receiving opening and the at least one thirdinner link-pin-receiving opening are disposed between the pair of firstinner link-pin-receiving openings in an axial direction with respect tothe inner co-axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the fifth aspect, it ispossible to reliably support the inner link pin relative to the basemember using the pair of first inner link-pin-receiving openings. Thus,it is possible to further improve the strength of the bicyclederailleur.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclederailleur according to the fourth aspect is configured so that the atleast one third inner link-pin-receiving opening includes a pair ofthird inner link-pin-receiving openings. The at least one second innerlink-pin-receiving opening is disposed between the pair of third innerlink-pin-receiving openings in an axial direction with respect to theinner co-axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the sixth aspect, it ispossible to further improve the strength of the bicycle derailleur.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to the first aspect is configured so thatthe at least one link member includes an outer link member. The at leastone link pivot axis includes an outer-link pivot axis. The at least onelink pin includes an outer link pin configured to pivotally couple theouter link member to the base member about the outer-link pivot axis.The at least one first link-pin-receiving opening of the base memberincludes at least one first outer link-pin-receiving opening. The atleast one second link-pin-receiving opening of the motor unit includesat least one second outer link-pin-receiving opening. The at least onethird link-pin-receiving opening of the at least one link memberincludes at least one third outer link-pin-receiving opening that theouter link member has. The outer link pin is configured to extendthrough the at least one first outer link-pin-receiving opening, the atleast one second outer link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least onethird outer link-pin-receiving opening.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the seventh aspect, it ispossible to couple the base member, the motor unit, and the outer linkmember using the outer link pin. Thus, it is possible to improvestrength of the bicycle derailleur around the outer link pin with asimple structure.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to the seventh aspect is configured so thatthe at least one first outer link-pin-receiving opening, the at leastone second outer link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one thirdouter link-pin-receiving opening are provided coaxially with each otheron an outer co-axis in an assembled state of the bicycle derailleur.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the eighth aspect, it ispossible to make it easier to arrange the outer link pin in the at leastone first outer link-pin-receiving opening, the at least one secondouter link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one third outerlink-pin-receiving opening.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclederailleur according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the atleast one first outer link-pin-receiving opening includes a pair offirst outer link-pin-receiving openings. At least one of the at leastone second outer link-pin-receiving opening and the at least one thirdouter link-pin-receiving opening is disposed between the pair of firstouter link-pin-receiving openings in an axial direction with respect tothe outer co-axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the ninth aspect, it ispossible to reliably support the outer link pin relative to the basemember using the pair of first outer link-pin-receiving openings. Thus,it is possible to further improve the strength of the bicyclederailleur.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicyclederailleur according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the atleast one first outer link-pin-receiving opening includes a pair offirst outer link-pin-receiving openings. The at least one second outerlink-pin-receiving opening is disposed outside a space defined betweenthe pair of first outer link-pin-receiving openings in an axialdirection with respect to the outer co-axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the tenth aspect, it ispossible to further improve the strength of the bicycle derailleur.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to tenth aspects isconfigured so that the motor unit is configured to apply rotationalforce to the at least one link pin to rotate the at least one link pinand to pivot at least one link member relative to the base member aboutat least one link pivot axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the eleventh aspect, it ispossible to utilize the at least one link pin to rotate the at least onelink member relative to the base member about the at least one pivotaxis and/or to support the at least one link member rotatably relativeto the base member about the at least one pivot axis.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to any one of the first to eleventh aspectsis configured so that the motor unit includes an output structurecoupled to the at least one link pin to be rotatable relative to thebase member about the at least one link pivot axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the twelfth aspect, it ispossible to rotate the at least one link pin about the at least onepivot axis along with the output structure.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, abicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a chain guide, a motor unit,and a linkage structure. The chain guide is movable relative to the basemember. The actuator is configured to move the chain guide relative tothe base member. The linkage structure is configured to movably couplethe chain guide to the base member. The linkage structure comprises alink member and a link pin. The link pin is configured to pivotallycouple the link member to the base member about a link pivot axis. Thebase member, the motor unit, and the link member are provided to atleast partially overlap with each other in a plurality of separate areasas viewed along the link pivot axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the thirteenth aspect, it ispossible to improve strength of the bicycle derailleur by coupling thebase member, the motor unit, and the link member in the plurality ofseparate areas.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a linkpin for a bicycle derailleur comprises a pin body, a tool-engagementprofile, and a torque-transmitting profile. The pin body includes afirst end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portionextending between the first end portion and the second end portion in alongitudinal direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the linkpin. The tool-engagement profile is configured to engage with a tool forrotating the link pin and provided to at least one of the first endportion, the second end portion, and the intermediate portion. Thetorque-transmitting profile is configured to transmit rotational forceof the link pin to a link member of the bicycle derailleur and providedto at least one of the first end portion, the second end portion, andthe intermediate portion.

With the link pin according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible toutilize the pin body to transmit rotational force to the link memberthrough the torque-transmitting profile. Furthermore, it is possible toeasily adjust a rotational position of the link pin using thetool-engagement profile when the bicycle derailleur is assembled. Thus,it is possible to simplify the construction of the derailleur using thelink pin while making it easier to assemble the bicycle derailleur.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to the fourteenth aspect is configured sothat the torque-transmitting profile has a polygonal shape.

With the link pin according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible totransmit the rotational force to the link member with a simplestructure.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect isconfigured so that the torque-transmitting profile has a hexagonalshape.

With the link pin according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible totransmit the rotational force to the link member with a simplestructure.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenthaspects is configured so that the torque-transmitting profile includesat least one flat first surface.

With the link pin according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible totransmit the rotational force to the link member with a simplestructure.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to any one of the fourteenth to seventeenthaspects is configured so that the tool-engagement profile has apolygonal shape.

With the link pin according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible tosimplify the tool engagement profile.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to any one of the fourteenth to eighteenthaspects is configured so that the tool-engagement profile has ahexagonal shape.

With the link pin according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible tofurther simplify the tool engagement profile.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to any one of the fourteenth to nineteenthaspects is configured so that the tool-engagement profile includes atleast one flat inner surface.

With the link pin according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible tofurther simplify the tool engagement profile.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to any one of the fourteenth to twentiethaspects is configured so that the tool-engagement profile is provided atthe first end. The first end has a first outer diameter. The second endhas a second outer diameter. The first outer diameter is larger than thesecond outer diameter.

With the link pin according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possibleto make the tool-engagement profile larger.

In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to any one of the fourteenth totwenty-first aspects is configured so that the torque-transmittingprofile is closer to the first end than to the second end.

With the link pin according to the twenty-second aspect, it is possibleto utilize a portion between the second end and the torque-transmittingprofile to arrange another member on the link pin.

In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, abicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a chain guide, a linkagestructure, and a motor unit. The chain guide is movable relative to thebase member. The linkage structure is configured to movably couple thechain guide to the base member. The linkage structure comprises a firstlink member and a second link member. The first link member is pivotallycoupled to the base member about a first pivot axis. The second linkmember is pivotally coupled to the base member about a second pivotaxis. A first reference line extends through the first pivot axis andthe second pivot axis to establish a boundary between a first area and asecond area as viewed along the first pivot axis. The motor unit isconfigured to move the chain guide relative to the base member. Themotor unit comprises a motor and a gear structure. The motor isconfigured to generate rotational force. The gear structure includes aplurality of gears configured to transmit the rotational force to atleast one of the chain guide and the linkage structure. The chain guideis provided in the first area with respect to the first reference lineas viewed along the first pivot axis. At least one of the motor and thegear structure is at least partly provided in the first area as viewedalong the first pivot axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the twenty-third aspect, it ispossible to utilize the first area as a space in which the at least oneof the motor and the gear structure is at least partly provided. Thus,it is possible to make the bicycle derailleur compact.

In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to the twenty-third aspect is configured sothat the first link member is pivotally coupled to the chain guide abouta third pivot axis. The second link member is pivotally coupled to thechain guide about a fourth pivot axis. A second reference line extendsthrough the second pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis as viewed alongthe first pivot axis. A third reference line extends through the thirdpivot axis and the fourth pivot axis as viewed along the first pivotaxis. A fourth reference line extends through the first pivot axis andthe third pivot axis as viewed along the first pivot axis. The gearstructure is at least partly provided in an arrangement area surroundedby the first reference line, the second reference line, the thirdreference line, and the fourth reference line as viewed along the firstpivot axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the twenty-fourth aspect, it ispossible to utilize the arrangement area as a space in which the gearstructure is at least partly provided. Thus, it is possible to make thebicycle derailleur compact.

In accordance with a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to the twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspectfurther comprises a rotation sensor. The plurality of gears includes asensor gear at least partly provided in the first area as viewed alongthe first pivot axis. The rotation sensor is configured to sense arotational position of the sensor gear.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the twenty-fifth aspect, it ispossible to obtain a position of the chain guide using the rotationalposition sensed by the rotation sensor.

In accordance with a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to the twenty-fifth aspect is configured sothat the sensor gear is provided on a rotational-force transmission pathprovided from the motor to the at least one of the chain guide and thelinkage.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the twenty-sixth aspect, it ispossible to make the motor unit compact while obtaining the position ofthe chain guide.

In accordance with a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle derailleur according to any one of the twenty-third totwenty-sixth aspects is configured so that at least one gear of theplurality of gears is at least partly provided in the first area asviewed along the first pivot axis. The motor is entirely provided in thesecond area as viewed along the first pivot axis.

With the bicycle derailleur according to the twenty-seventh aspect, itis possible to choose the motor having a larger size by utilizing thesecond area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle including a bicyclederailleur in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the bicycle derailleur of thebicycle illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline III-III of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline IV-IV of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a front view of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bicycle derailleur illustrated inFIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a motor unit and a link member of thebicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the motor unit and the linkmember of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline X-X of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XI-XI of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XII-XII of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XIII-XIII of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XIV-XIV of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a gear structure of the motorunit illustrated in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the motor unit of the bicyclederailleur illustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur illustratedin FIG. 2 .

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur illustratedin FIG. 2 .

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of the bicycle derailleurillustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 20 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleurillustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XXI-XXI of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle derailleur in accordancewith a modification.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the bicycle derailleur illustrated inFIG. 2 .

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 25 is a partial elevational view of the bicycle derailleurillustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle derailleur in accordancewith a modification.

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a bicycle derailleur in accordancewith a second embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the bicycle derailleur illustrated inFIG. 27 .

FIG. 29 is a front view of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the motor unit and the linkmember of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 27 .

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XXXI-XXXI of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view of a link member of the bicyclederailleur illustrated in FIG. 27 .

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XXXIII-XXXIII of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XXXIV-XXXIV of FIG. 28 .

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the bicycle derailleurillustrated in FIG. 27 .

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle derailleur taken alongline XXXVI-XXXVI of FIG. 28 .

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle derailleur in accordancewith a modification.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a bicycle derailleur in accordance witha modification.

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the bicycle derailleur illustratedin FIG. 38 .

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a chain guide of the bicyclederailleur illustrated in FIG. 38 .

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a first guide member of the chain guideof the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 38 .

FIG. 42 is a partial perspective view of a second guide member of thechain guide of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 38 .

FIG. 43 is a plan view of the chain guide of the bicycle derailleurillustrated in FIG. 38 .

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

As seen in FIG. 1 , a bicycle 2 includes a bicycle derailleur 10 inaccordance with a first embodiment. The bicycle 2 further includes avehicle body 2A, a saddle 2B, a handlebar 2C, an operating device 3, anoperating device 4, a drive train DT, and an electric power source PS.The operating devices 3 and 4 are configured to be mounted to thehandlebar 2C. The drive train DT includes a crank CR, a front sprocketassembly FS, a rear sprocket assembly RS, a chain C, and a bicyclederailleur RD. The front sprocket assembly FS is secured to the crankCR. The rear sprocket assembly RS is rotatably mounted to the vehiclebody 2A. The chain C is engaged with the front sprocket assembly FS andthe rear sprocket assembly RS. The bicycle derailleur RD is mounted tothe vehicle body 2A and is configured to shift the chain C relative to aplurality of sprockets of the rear sprocket assembly RS to change a gearposition. The bicycle derailleur 10 is configured to shift the chain Crelative to a plurality of sprockets of the front sprocket assembly FS.The electric power source PS is configured to be mounted to the vehiclebody 2A. In the first embodiment, the electric power source PS isconfigured to be mounted on a down tube of the vehicle body 2A. However,the electric power source PS can be configured to be mounted to otherparts of the vehicle body 2A such as a seat tube. The electric powersource PS can be configured to be directly mounted to other devices suchas the bicycle derailleur 10 or RD.

The bicycle derailleur RD is configured to be operated using theoperating device 3. The bicycle derailleur 10 is configured to beoperated using the operating device 4. In the first embodiment, thebicycle derailleur RD is configured to be electrically connected to theoperating devices 3 and 4 through a wireless communication channel. Thebicycle derailleur RD is electrically connected to the power source PSthrough an electric cable EC1. The bicycle derailleur 10 is electricallyconnected to the power source PS through an electric cable EC2. Theelectric power supply PS is configured to supply electric power to thebicycle derailleurs 10 and RD through the electric cables EC1 and EC2.For example, the bicycle derailleurs 10 and RD and the electric powersupply PS are configured to communicate with each other using a powerline communication (PLC). However, the bicycle derailleurs 10 and RD andthe electric power supply PS can be configured to communicate with eachother using other communication method such as a wireless communication.

In the first embodiment, the bicycle derailleur RD is configured towirelessly communicate with the operating devices 3 and 4. The bicyclederailleur RD is configured to receive control signals wirelesslytransmitted from each of the operating devices 3 and 4. The bicyclederailleur 10 is configured to communicate with the bicycle derailleurRD through the electric power source PS and the electric cables EC1 andEC2. The bicycle derailleur RD is configured to transmit, through theelectric power source PS and the electric cables EC1 and EC2 to thebicycle derailleur 10, control signals wirelessly transmitted from theoperating device 4 to the bicycle derailleur RD.

However, the configuration of the bicycle 2 is not limited to the aboveconfiguration. For example, each of the bicycle derailleurs 10 and RDcan be configured to be electrically connected to the electric powersource PS through the electric cables EC1 and EC2 and an additionaldevice such as a junction box 6. Each of the bicycle derailleur RD andthe electric power source PS can be configured to be electricallyconnected to the bicycle derailleur 10 through the electric cables EC1and EC2 if the bicycle derailleur 10 includes a plurality of connectionports. Each of the bicycle derailleur 10 and the electric power sourcePS can be configured to be electrically connected to the bicyclederailleur RD through the electric cables EC1 and EC2 if the bicyclederailleur RD includes a plurality of connection ports. The bicyclederailleur 10 can be configured to be electrically connected to thebicycle derailleur RD through the electric cable EC1 or EC2 if theelectric power supply PS is directly mounted to one of the bicyclederailleurs 10 and RD. Furthermore, the bicycle derailleur RD can beconnected to at least one of the operating devices 3 and 4 through anelectric cable without wireless communication. In addition, the bicyclederailleur 10 can be configured to be electrically connected to at leastone of the operating devices 3 and 4 through a wireless communicationchannel.

In the first embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 10 includes a frontderailleur. Namely, the bicycle derailleur 10 can also be referred to asa front derailleur 10. However, structures of the bicycle derailleur 10can be applied to a rear derailleur if needed and/or desired.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front,”“rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “transverse,” “upward”and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., arider) who is in the user's standard position (e.g., on the saddle 2B ora seat) in the bicycle 2 with facing the handlebar 2C. Accordingly,these terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle derailleur 10 or othercomponents, should be interpreted relative to the bicycle 2 equippedwith the bicycle derailleur 10 as used in an upright riding position ona horizontal surface.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the bicycle derailleur 10 comprises a base member12. The base member 12 is configured to be mounted to the bicycle frame4. The base member 12 is configured to be mounted to a tubular portion4A of the bicycle frame 4. The base member 12 is configured to bemounted to a seat tube 4B of the bicycle frame 4. However, the basemember 12 can be configured to be mounted to other portions of thebicycle frame 4 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 3 , the base member 12 includes a mounting hole 14through which a mounting fastener 6 is to extend in a mounting statewhere the base member 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame 4 with themounting fastener 6. The mounting hole 14 has a center axis CA1. Themounting hole 14 extends along the center axis CAL The mounting fastener6 extends along the center axis CA1. In this embodiment, the mountinghole 14 includes a threaded hole 14A. The mounting fastener 6 includesan external thread 6A configured to be threadedly engaged with thethreaded hole 14A of the mounting hole 14.

The base member 12 includes a mounting surface 16. The mounting hole 14is provided on the mounting surface 16. The mounting surface 16 isconfigured to be contactable with one of the bicycle frame 4 and a clamp8 configured to couple the base member 12 to the bicycle frame 4 in themounting state where the base member 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame4. In the first embodiment, the mounting surface 16 is configured to becontactable with the clamp 8 configured to couple the base member 12 tothe bicycle frame 4 in the mounting state where the base member 12 ismounted to the bicycle frame 4. However, the mounting surface 16 can beconfigured to be contactable with the bicycle frame 4 or an adapters inthe mounting state where the base member 12 is mounted to the bicycleframe 4 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 4 , the mounting surface 16 includes a curved surface16A. The curved surface 16A is configured to be contactable with one ofthe bicycle frame 4 and the clamp 8 in the mounting state where the basemember 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame 4. The mounting hole 14 isprovided on the curved surface 16A. However, the mounting surface 16 caninclude another surface instead of or in addition to the curved surface16A.

The clamp 8 includes a clamp opening 8A through which the bicycle frame4 is to extend. The clamp opening 8A has a center axis 8B. The centeraxis CA1 of the mounting hole 14 is non-parallel to the center axis 8Bof the clamp 8.

As seen in FIG. 5 , the bicycle derailleur 10 comprises a chain guide18. The chain guide 18 is movable relative to the base member 12. Thechain guide 18 is movable relative to the base member 12 to guide achain C. The chain guide 18 is contactable with the chain C. The chainguide 18 is movable relative to the base member 12 from a lower-gearposition P11 to a higher-gear position P12 to move the chain C in anoutward-shifting direction D11. The chain guide 18 is movable relativeto the base member 12 from the higher-gear position P12 to thelower-gear position P11 to move the chain C in an inward-shiftingdirection D12 which is an opposite direction of the outward-shiftingdirection D11. The lower-gear position P11 is a position correspondingto a smaller sprocket of a sprocket assembly. The higher-gear positionP12 is a position corresponding to a larger sprocket of the sprocketassembly. The chain guide 18 is configured to guide the chain C from thesmaller sprocket to the larger sprocket in the outward-shiftingdirection D11. The chain guide 18 is configured to guide the chain Cfrom the larger sprocket to the smaller sprocket in the inward-shiftingdirection D12.

The chain guide 18 comprises an inner guide member 18A and an outerguide member 18B. The inner guide member 18A is configured to guide thechain C in the outward-shifting direction D11. The outer guide member18B is configured to guide the chain C in the inward-shifting directionD12. The outer guide member 18B is spaced apart from the inner guidemember 18A in the outward-shifting direction D11. The outer guide member18B is coupled to the inner guide member 18A.

As seen in FIG. 6 , the bicycle derailleur 10 comprises a biasing member19. The biasing member 19 is configured to bias the chain guide 18 fromone of the lower-gear position P11 (see, e.g., FIG. 5 ) and thehigher-gear position P12 (see, e.g., FIG. 5 ) toward the other of thelower-gear position P11 and the higher-gear position P12. In the firstembodiment, the biasing member 19 is configured to bias the chain guide18 from the lower-gear position P11 toward the higher-gear position P12.However, the biasing member 19 can be configured to bias the chain guide18 from the higher-gear position P12 toward the lower-gear position P11if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 7 , the bicycle derailleur 10 comprises a linkagestructure 20. The linkage structure 20 is pivotally coupled to the basemember 12. The linkage structure 20 is configured to movably couple thechain guide 18 to the base member 12. The linkage structure 20 comprisesat least one link member LM and at least one link pin LP. The at leastone link member LM is configured to movably couple the chain guide 18 tothe base member 12. The at least one link pin LP is configured topivotally couple the at least one link member LM to the base member 12about at least one link pivot axis PA.

In the first embodiment, the at least one link member LM includes afirst link member 22 and a second link member 24. The at least one linkpivot axis PA includes a first pivot axis PA1, a second pivot axis PA2,a third pivot axis PA3, and a fourth pivot axis PA4. Namely, the linkagestructure 20 comprises the first link member 22 and the second linkmember 24. The first link member 22 is pivotally coupled to the basemember 12 about the first pivot axis PA1. The second link member 24 ispivotally coupled to the base member 12 about the second pivot axis PA2.The first link member 22 is pivotally coupled to the chain guide 18about the third pivot axis PA3. The second link member 24 is pivotallycoupled to the chain guide 18 about the fourth pivot axis PA4. Thesecond link member 24 is spaced apart from the first link member 22 inthe outward-shifting direction D11.

The first link member 22 can also be referred to as an inner link member22. The second link member 24 can also be referred to as an outer linkmember 24. Namely, the linkage structure 20 comprises the inner linkmember 22 and the outer link member 24. The at least one link member LMincludes the inner link member 22. The at least one link member LMincludes the outer link member 24. The inner link member 22 is pivotallycoupled to the base member 12 about the first pivot axis PA1. The outerlink member 24 is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 about thesecond pivot axis PA2. The inner link member 22 is pivotally coupled tothe chain guide 18 about the third pivot axis PA3. The outer link member24 is pivotally coupled to the chain guide 18 about the fourth pivotaxis PA4. The outer link member 24 is spaced apart from the inner linkmember 22 in the outward-shifting direction D11.

The at least one link pin LP includes a first link pin 26, a second linkpin 28, a third link pin 30, and a fourth link pin 32. Namely, thelinkage structure 20 comprises the first link pin 26, the second linkpin 28, the third link pin 30, and the fourth link pin 32. The firstlink pin 26 is rotatably mounted to the base member 12 about the firstpivot axis PA1. The first link pin 26 is configured to pivotally couplethe first link member 22 to the base member 12 about the first pivotaxis PA1. The second link pin 28 is configured to pivotally couple thesecond link member 24 to the base member 12 about the second pivot axisPA2. The third link pin 30 is configured to pivotally couple the firstlink member 22 to the chain guide 18 about the third pivot axis PA3. Thefourth link pin 32 is configured to pivotally couple the second linkmember 24 to the chain guide 18 about the fourth pivot axis PA4.

The chain guide 18 is pivotally coupled to the first link member 22 tomove relative to the base member 12 in response to a pivotal movement ofthe first link member 22 relative to the base member 12. The chain guide18 is pivotally coupled to the second link member 24 to move relative tothe base member 12 in response to a pivotal movement of the second linkmember 24 relative to the base member 12.

The first link pin 26 can also be referred to as an inner link pin 26.The second link pin 28 can also be referred to as an outer link pin 28.The first pivot axis PA1 can also be referred to as an inner-link pivotaxis PA1. The second pivot axis PA2 can also be referred to as anouter-link pivot axis PA2. Namely, the linkage structure 20 comprisesthe inner link pin 26 and the outer link pin 28. The at least one linkpin LP includes the inner link pin 26. The at least one link pin LPincludes the outer link pin 28. The at least one link pivot axis PAincludes the inner-link pivot axis PAL The at least one link pivot axisPA includes the outer-link pivot axis PA2. The inner link pin 26 isconfigured to pivotally couple the inner link member 22 to the basemember 12 about the inner-link pivot axis PAL The outer link pin 28 isconfigured to pivotally couple the outer link member 24 to the basemember 12 about the outer-link pivot axis PA2.

The first link member 22 and the inner link member 22 can also bereferred to as a link member 22. The second link member 24 and the outerlink pin 28 can also be referred to as a link member 24. The first linkpin 26 and the inner link pin 26 can also be referred to as a link pin26. The second link pin 28 and the outer link pin 28 can also bereferred to as a link pin 28. The first pivot axis PA1 and theinner-link pivot axis PA1 can also be referred to as a link pivot axisPA1. The second pivot axis PA2 and the outer-link pivot axis PA2 canalso be referred to as a link pivot axis PA2. Namely, the linkagestructure 20 comprises the link member 22 and the link pin 26. The linkpin 26 is configured to pivotally couple the link member 22 to the basemember 12 about the link pivot axis PA1. Similarly, the linkagestructure 20 comprises the link member 24 and the link pin 28. The linkpin 28 is configured to pivotally couple the link member 24 to the basemember 12 about the link pivot axis PA2.

As seen in FIG. 2 , at least three of the first pivot axis PA1, thesecond pivot axis PA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivotaxis PA4 are non-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the center axisCA1 of the mounting hole 14. At least one of the first pivot axis PA1and the second pivot axis PA2 is non-parallel to and non-perpendicularto the center axis CA1 of the mounting hole 14. The second pivot axisPA2 and the fourth pivot axis PA4 are non-parallel to andnon-perpendicular to the center axis CA1 of the mounting hole 14.

In the first embodiment, the first pivot axis PA1, the second pivot axisPA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivot axis PA4 arenon-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the center axis CA1 of themounting hole 14. The first pivot axis PA1, the second pivot axis PA2,the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivot axis PA4 are parallel toeach other. However, at least one of the first pivot axis PA1, thesecond pivot axis PA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivotaxis PA4 can be parallel to and/or perpendicular to the center axis CA1of the mounting hole 14. At least one of the first pivot axis PA1, thesecond pivot axis PA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivotaxis PA4 can be non-parallel to another of the first pivot axis PA1, thesecond pivot axis PA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivotaxis PA4. For example, the first pivot axis PA1 can be non-parallel tothe third pivot axis PA3. The second pivot axis PA2 can be non-parallelto the fourth pivot axis PA4.

At least three of the first pivot axis PA1, the second pivot axis PA2,the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivot axis PA4 are non-parallelto and non-perpendicular to a reference plane 16B defined on themounting surface 16. The reference plane 16B of the mounting surface 16is perpendicular to the center axis CA1 of the mounting hole 14. Atleast one of the first pivot axis PA1 and the second pivot axis PA2 isnon-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the reference plane 16B definedon the mounting surface 16. The second pivot axis PA2 and the fourthpivot axis PA4 are non-parallel to and non-perpendicular to thereference plane 16B defined on the mounting surface 16. At least threeof the first pivot axis PA1, the second pivot axis PA2, the third pivotaxis PA3, and the fourth pivot axis PA4 are non-parallel to andnon-perpendicular to the reference direction D2 perpendicular to thereference plane 16B defined on the mounting surface 16.

In the first embodiment, the first pivot axis PA1, the second pivot axisPA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivot axis PA4 arenon-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the reference plane 16B definedon the mounting surface 16. However, at least one of the first pivotaxis PA1, the second pivot axis PA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and thefourth pivot axis PA4 can be parallel to and/or perpendicular to thereference plane 16B defined on the mounting surface 16.

At least one of the first pivot axis PA1 and the second pivot axis PA2is non-parallel to and non-perpendicular to a reference direction D2perpendicular to the reference plane 16B defined on the mounting surface16. The second pivot axis PA2 and the fourth pivot axis PA4 arenon-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the reference direction D2perpendicular to the reference plane 16B defined on the mounting surface16.

In the first embodiment, the first pivot axis PA1, the second pivot axisPA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivot axis PA4 arenon-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the reference direction D2perpendicular to the reference plane 16B defined on the mounting surface16. However, at least one of the first pivot axis PA1, the second pivotaxis PA2, the third pivot axis PA3, and the fourth pivot axis PA4 can beparallel to and/or perpendicular to the reference direction D2perpendicular to the reference plane 16B defined on the mounting surface16 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 4 , the reference plane 16B of the mounting surface 16is defined as a tangent plane of the curved surface 16A. The referencedirection D2 is parallel to the center axis CA1 of the mounting hole 14.However, the reference direction D2 can be non-parallel to the centeraxis CA1 of the mounting hole 14.

As seen in FIG. 7 , the bicycle derailleur 10 comprises a motor unit 34.The motor unit 34 can also be referred to as a bicycle motor unit 34.The motor unit 34 is configured to move the chain guide 18 relative tothe base member 12. The motor unit 34 is configured to move the chainguide 18 relative to the base member 12 from the lower-gear position P11to the higher-gear position P12 in the outward-shifting direction D11.The motor unit 34 is configured to move the chain guide 18 relative tothe base member 12 from the higher-gear position P12 to the lower-gearposition P11 in the inward-shifting direction D12.

The bicycle motor unit 34 is configured to apply rotational force to atleast one of the chain guide 18 and the linkage structure 20 to move thechain guide 18 relative to the base member 12. In the first embodiment,the bicycle motor unit 34 is configured to apply the rotational force tothe linkage structure 20 to move the chain guide 18 relative to the basemember 12. The bicycle motor unit 34 is configured to apply therotational force to the chain guide 18 through the linkage structure 20to move the chain guide 18 relative to the base member 12. However, thebicycle motor unit 34 can be configured to apply the rotational force tothe chain guide 18 or both the chain guide 18 and the linkage structure20 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 8 , the bicycle motor unit 34 comprises a motor 35 and abicycle gear structure 36. The bicycle gear structure 36 can also bereferred to as a gear structure 36. The motor 35 is configured togenerate the rotational force. Examples of the motor 35 include adirect-current (DC) motor and a stepper motor. However, the motor 35 caninclude other type of motor.

The bicycle gear structure 36 is configured to transmit the rotationalforce. The gear structure 36 includes a plurality of gears 38. Theplurality of gears 38 is configured to transmit the rotational force tothe at least one of the chain guide 18 and the linkage structure 20. Inthe first embodiment, the plurality of gears 38 is configured totransmit the rotational force to the linkage structure 20. The pluralityof gears 38 is configured to transmit the rotational force to the chainguide 18 through the linkage structure 20. However, the plurality ofgears 38 can be configured to transmit the rotational force directly tothe chain guide 18 or both the chain guide 18 and the linkage structure20.

In the first embodiment, the gear structure 36 includes a plurality ofspur gears 40. The plurality of spur gears 40 is configured to transmitthe rotational force to the at least one of the chain guide 18 and thelinkage structure 20. The plurality of spur gears 40 is configured totransmit the rotational force to the linkage structure 20. The pluralityof spur gears 40 is configured to transmit the rotational force to thechain guide 18 through the linkage structure 20. However, the pluralityof spur gears 40 can be configured to transmit the rotational forcedirectly to the chain guide 18 or both the chain guide 18 and thelinkage structure 20.

The motor unit 34 is free of gears other than the plurality of spurgears 40 on a rotational-force transmission path 42 provided from themotor 35 to the at least one of the chain guide 18 (see, e.g., FIG. 7 )and the linkage structure 20. In the first embodiment, therotational-force transmission path 42 is provided from the motor 35 tothe linkage structure 20. However, the rotational-force transmissionpath 42 can be provided from the motor 35 to the chain guide 18 (see,e.g., FIG. 7 ) or to both the chain guide 18 (see, e.g., FIG. 7 ) andthe linkage structure 20. The motor unit 34 can include a gear otherthan the plurality of spur gears 40 on the rotational-force transmissionpath 42 provided from the motor 35 to the at least one of the chainguide 18 (see, e.g., FIG. 7 ) and the linkage structure 20 if neededand/or desired.

The plurality of gears 38 includes gears G1 to G10. Each of the gears G1to G10 are a spur gear. The gear G1 is configured to mesh with the gearG2. The gear G2 is configured to be rotatable along with the gear G3.The gear G3 is configured to mesh with the gear G4. The gear G4 isconfigured to be rotatable along with the gear G5. The gear G5 isconfigured to mesh with the gear G6. The gear G6 is configured to berotatable along with the gear G7. The gear G7 is configured to mesh withthe gear G8. The gear G8 is configured to be rotatable along with thegear G9. The gear G9 is configured to mesh with the gear G10. The gearG10 is configured to be rotatable along with the first link pin 26.

The motor 35 includes an output shaft 35A. The motor 35 is configured torotate the output shaft 35A. The gear G1 can also be referred to as aninput gear G1. The gear G10 can also be referred to as an output gearG10. Namely, the plurality of spur gears 40 includes the input gear G1and the output gear G10. The input gear G1 is secured to the outputshaft 35A. The output gear G10 is coupled to the at least one of thechain guide 18 (see, e.g., FIG. 7 ) and the linkage structure 20. In thefirst embodiment, the output gear G10 is coupled to the linkagestructure 20 and is coupled to the chain guide 18 through the linkagestructure 20. However, the output gear G10 ca be coupled directly to thechain guide 18 or both the chain guide 18 and the linkage structure 20.The output gear G10 includes a sector gear G11. However, the output gearG10 can include other type of gear if needed and/or desired.

The gear structure 36 has a reduction ratio equal to or lower than 1400.The reduction ratio is defined from the input gear G1 to the output gearG10. In the first embodiment, the reduction ratio of the gear structure36 is approximately 832. However, the reduction ratio of the gearstructure 36 can be higher than 1400 if needed and/or desired.

The motor unit 34 is configured to apply the rotational force to the atleast one link pin LP to rotate the at least one link pin LP and topivot the at least one link member LM relative to the base member 12about the at least one link pivot axis PA. The motor unit 34 isconfigured to apply the rotational force to the first link pin 26 torotate the first link pin 26 relative to the base member 12 about thefirst pivot axis PA1.

The motor unit 34 includes an output structure 44. The output structure44 is coupled to the at least one link pin LP to be rotatable relativeto the base member 12 about the at least one link pivot axis PA. Theoutput structure 44 is coupled to the first link pin 26 to be rotatablerelative to the base member 12 about the first pivot axis PAL The outputstructure 44 is directly or indirectly coupled to the first link pin 26to be rotatable relative to the base member 12 about the first pivotaxis PA1. In the first embodiment, the output structure 44 is directlycoupled to the first link pin 26 to be rotatable relative to the basemember 12 about the first pivot axis PAL However, the output structure44 can be indirectly coupled to the first link pin 26 to be rotatablerelative to the base member 12 about the first pivot axis PA1 if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 9 , the link pin 26 for the bicycle derailleur 10comprises a pin body 46 and a tool-engagement profile 48. The pin body46 includes a first end portion 46A, a second end portion 46B, and anintermediate portion 46C. Namely, the first link pin 26 includes a firstend portion 46A and a second end portion 46B. The intermediate portion46C extends between the first end portion 46A and the second end portion46B in a longitudinal direction D3 with respect to a longitudinal axisLA1 of the link pin 26. The first pivot axis PA1 and the longitudinalaxis LA1 extend along the longitudinal direction D3. The first pivotaxis PA1 and the longitudinal axis LA1 are parallel to the longitudinaldirection D3. The longitudinal axis LA1 of the link pin 26 is coincidentwith the first pivot axis PA1. However, the longitudinal axis LA1 of thelink pin 26 can be offset from the first pivot axis PA1 if needed and/ordesired. The first pivot axis PA1 and the longitudinal axis LA1 can benon-parallel to the longitudinal direction D3 if needed and/or desired.

The first end portion 46A has a first outer diameter DM11. The secondend portion 46B has a second outer diameter DM12. In the firstembodiment, the first outer diameter DM11 is larger than the secondouter diameter DM12. However, the first outer diameter DM11 can be equalto or smaller than the second outer diameter DM12 if needed and/ordesired.

The tool-engagement profile 48 is configured to engage with a tool forrotating the link pin 26. The tool-engagement profile 48 is provided toat least one of the first end portion 46A, the second end portion 46B,and the intermediate portion 46C. Examples of the tool includes ahexagon wrench. The tool-engagement profile 48 allows the user to changea rotational position of the first link pin 26 about the first pivotaxis PA1 relative to the base member 12 and/or the output structure 44using the tool such as the hexagon wrench.

In the first embodiment, the tool-engagement profile 48 is provided atthe first end portion 46A. However, the tool-engagement profile 48 canbe provided to at least one of the second end portion 46B and theintermediate portion 46C instead of or in addition to the first endportion 46A if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 10 , the tool-engagement profile 48 has a shape otherthan a perfect circle as viewed along the longitudinal axis LA1. Thetool-engagement profile 48 has a polygonal shape. The tool-engagementprofile 48 has a hexagonal shape. The tool-engagement profile 48includes a tool-engagement hole 50. The tool-engagement hole 50 includesa hexagonal hole. Namely, the tool-engagement profile 48 includes atool-engagement inner profile having a shape other than a perfect circleas viewed along the longitudinal axis LA1. However, the tool-engagementprofile 48 can include a tool-engagement outer profile instead of or inaddition to the tool-engagement inner profile if needed and/or desired.The tool-engagement outer profile can have a shape other than a perfectcircle as viewed along the longitudinal axis LA1 if needed and/ordesired. The tool-engagement outer profile can have a polygonal shapesuch as a hexagonal shape if needed and/or desired. Furthermore, thetool-engagement profile 48 (the tool-engagement inner and/or outerprofile) can have shapes other than a polygonal shape, such as an ovalshape, a spline, and a serration if needed and/or desired.

The tool-engagement profile 48 includes at least one flat inner surface52. The tool-engagement profile 48 includes six flat inner surfaces 52constituting the hexagonal shape. The flat inner surface 52 defines thetool-engagement hole 50. However, the tool-engagement profile 48 caninclude other surfaces such as a curved surface instead of or inaddition to the at least one flat inner surface 52 if needed and/ordesired.

As seen in FIG. 9 , the first link member 22 is coupled to the firstlink pin 26 to be pivotable relative to the base member 12 about thefirst pivot axis PAL The first link member 22 is coupled directly to thefirst link pin 26 to be pivotable relative to the base member 12 aboutthe first pivot axis PA1. However, the first link member 22 can becoupled indirectly to the first link pin 26 to be pivotable relative tothe base member 12 about the first pivot axis PA1 if needed and/ordesired.

At least one of the first link pin 26 and the output structure 44includes a first coupling part 53. The first link member 22 includes asecond coupling part 54. The first coupling part 53 is engaged with thesecond coupling part 54 to transmit the rotational force from the atleast one of the first link pin 26 and the output structure 44 to thefirst link member 22. The first coupling part 53 is engaged with thesecond coupling part 54 to restrict a relative rotation between theinner link member 22 and the one of the inner link pin 26 and the outputstructure 44.

In the first embodiment, the first link pin 26 includes the firstcoupling part 53. The first coupling part 53 is engaged with the secondcoupling part 54 to transmit the rotational force from the first linkpin 26 to the first link member 22. However, the output structure 44 orboth the first link pin 26 and the output structure 44 can include thefirst coupling part 53 if needed and/or desired. The first coupling part53 can be engaged with the second coupling part 54 to transmit therotational force from the output structure 44 or both the first link pin26 and the output structure 44 to the first link member 22.

As seen in FIG. 11 , the first coupling part 53 has a first profile 56other than a perfect circle as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1.The second coupling part 54 has a second profile 58 other than a perfectcircle as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1. The first profile 56can also be referred to as a torque-transmitting profile 56. Namely, thelink pin for 26 the bicycle derailleur 10 comprises thetorque-transmitting profile 56. The torque-transmitting profile 56 isconfigured to transmit the rotational force of the link pin 26 to thelink member 22 of the bicycle derailleur 10. The torque-transmittingprofile 56 is configured to restrict a relative rotation between thelink pin 26 and the link member 22 about the first pivot axis PA1.

In the first embodiment, the first profile 56 of the first coupling part53 has a polygonal shape. The second profile 58 of the second couplingpart 54 has a polygonal shape. The torque-transmitting profile 56 has apolygonal shape. The first profile 56 has a hexagonal shape. The secondprofile 58 has a hexagonal shape. The torque-transmitting profile 56 hasa hexagonal shape. The first profile 56 and the second profile 58 areconfigured to transmit the rotational force from the at least one of thefirst link pin 26 and the output structure 44 to the first link member22. The first profile 56 and the second profile 58 can have shapes otherthan a polygonal shape, s such as an oval shape, a spline, and aserration if needed and/or desired.

The first coupling part 53 includes at least one first flat surface 60.The torque-transmitting profile 56 includes at least one first flatsurface 60. The second coupling part 54 includes at least one secondflat surface 62. The at least one first flat surface 60 is contactablewith the at least one second flat surface 62 to transmit the rotationalforce from the at least one of the first link pin 26 and the outputstructure 44 to the first link member 22 in a state where the firstcoupling part 53 is engaged with the second coupling part 54. The atleast one first flat surface 60 is contactable with the at least onesecond flat surface 62 to restrict a relative rotation between the firstlink member 22 and the at least one of the first link pin 26 and theoutput structure 44 about the first pivot axis PA1.

In the first embodiment, the at least one first flat surface 60 iscontactable with the at least one second flat surface 62 to transmit therotational force from the first link pin 26 to the first link member 22in the state where the first coupling part 53 is engaged with the secondcoupling part 54. However, the at least one first flat surface 60 can beconfigured to be contactable with the at least one second flat surface62 to transmit the rotational force from the output structure 44 or boththe first link pin 26 and the output structure 44 to the first linkmember 22 in the state where the first coupling part 53 is engaged withthe second coupling part 54.

The first coupling part 53 includes six first flat surfaces 60constituting the hexagonal shape. The second coupling part 54 includessix second flat surfaces 62 constituting the hexagonal shape. The firstflat surface 60 is configured to face the second flat surface 62 and iscontactable with the second flat surface 62. The first flat surface 60faces away from the longitudinal axis LA1. The second flat surface 62faces toward the longitudinal axis LA1. The second coupling part 54includes a coupling hole 64 having the second profile 58. The couplinghole 64 is defined by the second flat surfaces 62. The first couplingpart 53 is provided in the coupling hole 64. However, the secondcoupling part 54 can include structures other than a hole if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 9 , the torque-transmitting profile 56 is provided to atleast one of the first end portion 46A, the second end portion 46B, andthe intermediate portion 46C. In the first embodiment, thetorque-transmitting profile 56 is provided to the intermediate portion46C and is provided between the first end portion 46A and the second endportion 46B. The torque-transmitting profile 56 is closer to the firstend portion 46A than to the second end portion 46B. However, thetorque-transmitting profile 56 can be provided to at least one the firstend portion 46A and the second end portion 46B instead of or in additionto the intermediate portion 46C if needed and/or desired.

The torque-transmitting profile 56 is provided at a position differentfrom a position of the tool-engagement profile 48 in the longitudinaldirection D3. The torque-transmitting profile 56 is offset from thetool-engagement profile 48 in the longitudinal direction D3. However,the torque-transmitting profile 56 can be provided at the same positionas the position of the tool-engagement profile 48 in the longitudinaldirection D3 if needed and/or desired. In such modification, thetorque-transmitting profile 56 can be provided radially outward of thetool-engagement profile 48 with respect to the longitudinal axis LA1.

The first link member 22 includes a first link arm 22A, a firstadditional link arm 22B, and an intermediate plate 22C. The first linkarm 22A extends from the intermediate plate 22C. The second link armextends from the intermediate plate 22C. The first additional link arm22B is spaced apart from the first link arm 22A in an axial direction D4with respect to the first pivot axis PA1. The first link arm 22Aincludes the second coupling part 54. The first additional link arm 22Bincludes an additional coupling hole 65. The first link pin 26 extendsthrough the coupling hole 64 and the additional coupling hole 65. Theadditional coupling hole 65 has a profile having a perfect circle asviewed along the first pivot axis PA1. However, the additional couplinghole 65 can have a profile other than a perfect circle if needed and/ordesired.

As seen in FIG. 9 , the output structure 44 includes an engagement body66 and a geared portion 68. The engagement body 66 includes a firstengagement hole 70. The geared portion 68 is provided on the engagementbody 66. The geared portion 68 extends radially outward from theengagement body 66. The geared portion 68 includes the output gear G10.Thus, the output gear G10 is coupled to the inner link pin 26 to bepivotable relative to the base member 12 along with the inner link pin26 about the inner-link pivot axis PA1. The first link pin 26 includes afirst engagement part 72. The first engagement part 72 is provided inthe first engagement hole 70 to transmit the rotational force from theoutput structure 44 to the first link pin 26. The first engagement part72 is provided in the first engagement hole 70 to restrict a relativerotation between the first link pin 26 and the output structure 44.

As seen in FIG. 12 , the first engagement part 72 has an outer profile76 other than a perfect circle as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1.The first engagement hole 70 has an inner profile 78 other than aperfect circle as viewed along the first pivot axis PAL In the firstembodiment, the outer profile 76 of the first engagement part 72 has apolygonal shape. The inner profile 78 of the first engagement hole 70has a polygonal shape. The outer profile 76 has a hexagonal shape. Theinner profile 78 has a hexagonal shape. The outer profile 76 and theinner profile 78 are configured to transmit the rotational force fromthe output structure 44 to the first link pin 26. However, the outerprofile 76 and the inner profile 78 can have shapes other than apolygonal shape, such as an oval shape, a spline, and a serration ifneeded and/or desired.

The first engagement part 72 includes at least one outer flat surface80. The first engagement hole 70 includes at least one inner flatsurface 82. The at least one outer flat surface 80 is contactable withthe at least one inner flat surface 82 to transmit the rotational forcefrom the output gear G10 (see, e.g., FIG. 9 ) to the first link pin 26in a state where the first engagement part 72 is provided in the firstengagement hole 70. The at least one outer flat surface 80 iscontactable with the at least one inner flat surface 82 to restrict arelative rotation between the output gear G10 (see, e.g., FIG. 9 ) andthe first link pin 26 about the first pivot axis PA1 in the state wherethe first engagement part 72 is provided in the first engagement hole70.

In the first embodiment, the first engagement part 72 includes six outerflat surfaces 80 constituting the hexagonal shape. The first engagementhole 70 includes six inner flat surfaces 82 constituting the hexagonalshape. The outer flat surface 80 is configured to face the inner flatsurface 82 and is contactable with the inner flat surface 82. The outerflat surface 80 faces away from the longitudinal axis LA1. The innerflat surface 82 faces toward the longitudinal axis LA1. The firstengagement hole 70 is defined by the second flat surfaces 62. However,the first engagement part 72 can include structures other than the atleast one outer flat surface 80 if needed and/or desired. The firstengagement hole 70 can include structures other than the at least oneinner flat surface 82 if needed and/or desired.

In the first embodiment, the first engagement part 72 frictionallyengages with the first engagement hole 70. The first engagement part 72is press-fitted in the first engagement hole 70. However, the engagementstructure between the first engagement part 72 and the first engagementhole 70 is not limited to the frictional engagement such aspress-fitting. The engagement structure between the first engagementpart 72 and the first engagement hole 70 can include other structuresuch as a bonding structure (e.g., an adhesive agent). Furthermore, theshapes of the first engagement hole 70 and the first engagement part 72are not limited to a polygonal shape. At least one of the firstengagement hole 70 and the first engagement part 72 can have anotherprofile such as a circular shape, a spline, and a serration.

In the first embodiment, the first engagement part 72 and the firstcoupling part 53 are adjacent to each other in an axial direction D4with respect to the first pivot axis PA1. The first engagement part 72and the first coupling part 53 are integrally provided with each otheras a one-piece unitary member. However, the first engagement part 72 canbe a separate part from the first coupling part 53. The first engagementpart 72 can be spaced apart from the first coupling part 53 in the axialdirection D4 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 9 , the engagement body 66 includes a tubular part 84and a sleeve 86 which is a separate member from the tubular part 84. Thetubular part 84 is a separate member from the link pin 26 and the sleeve86. The sleeve 86 includes the first engagement hole 70 and a secondengagement part 88. The tubular part 84 includes a second engagementhole 90. The second engagement part 88 is provided in the secondengagement hole 90 to transmit the rotational force from the tubularpart 84 to the sleeve 86. The second engagement part 88 is provided inthe second engagement hole 90 to restrict a relative rotation betweenthe tubular part 84 and the sleeve 86 about the first pivot axis PA1.

As seen in FIG. 13 , the second engagement part 88 has an additionalouter profile 92 which at least partly includes a perfect circle asviewed along the first pivot axis PA1. The second engagement hole 90 hasan additional inner profile 93 which at least partly includes a perfectcircle as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1.

In the first embodiment, the second engagement part 88 frictionallyengages with the second engagement hole 90. The second engagement part88 is press-fitted in the second engagement hole 90. However, theengagement structure between the second engagement part 88 and thesecond engagement hole 90 is not limited to the frictional engagementsuch as press-fitting. The engagement structure between the secondengagement part 88 and the second engagement hole 90 can include otherstructure such as a bonding structure (e.g., an adhesive agent).Furthermore, the shapes of the second engagement part 88 and the secondengagement hole 90 are not limited to a circular shape. At least one ofthe second engagement part 88 and the second engagement hole 90 can haveother shapes such as an oval shape and a polygonal shape (e.g., ahexagonal shape, a spline, a serration).

As seen in FIG. 3 , the first link pin 26 extends through the firstengagement hole 70. The sleeve 86 extends through the second engagementhole 90. The first link pin 26 has a first length L1. The outputstructure 44 has a second length L2. The first length L1 is longer thanthe second length L2. The first end portion 46A is provided outside thefirst engagement hole 70. The second end portion 46B is provided outsidethe first engagement hole 70.

The base member 12 includes a first support hole 94 and a second supporthole 95 spaced apart from the first support hole 94 along the firstpivot axis PA1. The first end portion 46A is provided in the firstsupport hole 94. The second end portion 46B is provided in the secondsupport hole 95.

As seen in FIG. 6 , the base member 12 includes a base body 96, a firstsupport body 98, and a second support body 100. The first support body98 protrudes from the base body 96 in a protruding direction D5perpendicular to the first pivot axis PA1. The second support body 100protrudes from the base body 96 in the protruding direction D5.

As seen in FIG. 14 , the first support body 98 includes the firstsupport hole 94. The second support body 100 includes the second supporthole 95. The second support body 100 is spaced apart from the firstsupport body 98 in the axial direction D4.

The first support body 98 includes a first support part 98A and a firstbush 98B. The first support part 98A includes a first hole 98C. Thefirst bush 98B includes the first support hole 94 and is provided in thefirst hole 98C. The second support body 100 includes a second supportpart 100A and a second bush 100B. The second support part 100A includesa second hole 100C. The second bush 100B includes the second supporthole 95 and is provided in the second hole 100C. However, the first bush98B can be integrally provided with the first support part 98A as aone-piece unitary member. The second bush 100B can be integrallyprovided with the second support part 100A as a one-piece unitarymember.

The first link arm 22A is provide between the output structure 44 andthe first support body 98 of the base member 12 in the axial directionD4. The first additional link arm 22B is provided between the outputstructure 44 and the second support body 100 of the base member 12 inthe axial direction D4. The output structure 44 is provided between thefirst link arm 22A and the first additional link arm 22B in the axialdirection D4. However, other positional relationship can be applied tothe first link arm 22A, the first additional link arm 22B, the firstsupport body 98, the second support body 100, and the output structure44 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 15 , the bicycle gear structure 36 comprises a torquediode TD. The torque diode TD comprises an outer casing TD3, a firstshaft TD1, and a second shaft TD2. The first shaft TD1 is rotatablymounted to the outer casing TD3 about a first rotational axis RA1. Thesecond shaft TD2 is rotatably mounted to the outer casing TD3 about asecond rotational axis RA2. The torque diode TD is configured totransmit rotation of the first shaft TD1 to the second shaft TD2. Toprotect the motor 35, the torque diode TD is configured not to transmitrotation of the second shaft TD2 to the first shaft TD1.

In the first embodiment, the first rotational axis RA1 is parallel tothe second rotational axis RA2. The first rotational axis RA1 iscoincident with the second rotational axis RA2. However, the firstrotational axis RA1 can be offset from the second rotational axis RA2.The first rotational axis RA1 can be non-parallel to the secondrotational axis RA2.

The gear G6 can also be referred to as a first transmitting gear G6. Thegear G5 can also be referred to as a first additional transmitting gearG5. The gear G7 can also be referred to as a second transmitting gearG7. Namely, the bicycle gear structure 36 comprises the firsttransmitting gear G6 and the first additional transmitting gear G5. Thebicycle gear structure 36 further comprises the second transmitting gearG7.

The first transmitting gear G6 is attached to the first shaft TD1. Thesecond transmitting gear G7 is attached to the second shaft TD2. Thefirst additional transmitting gear G5 is meshed with the firsttransmitting gear G6. The first additional transmitting gear G5 isrotatably mounted to the outer casing TD3 about a third rotational axisRA3 offset from the first rotational axis RA1 and the second rotationalaxis RA2.

The outer casing TD3 includes a gear support hole TD4. The bicycle gearstructure 36 further comprises a support pin 109. The first additionaltransmitting gear G5 is attached to the support pin 109. The support pin109 is rotatably provided in the gear support hole TD4. The support pin109 is configured to be rotatably provided in the gear support hole TD4about the third rotational axis RA3. The support pin 109 includes a pinend 109A and an opposite pin end 109B. The bicycle gear structure 36includes support bushes 109C and 109D. The support bush 109C includes ahole 109E. The support bush 109D includes a hole 109F. The support bush109C is provided in the gear support hole TD4. The pin end 109A of thesupport pin 109 is rotatably provided in the hole 109E of the supportbush 109C. The opposite pin end 109B of the support pin 109 is rotatablyprovided in the hole 109F of the support bush 109D. However, at leastone of the support bushes 109C and 109D can be omitted from the bicyclegear structure 36.

The outer casing TD3 includes an outer casing body TD31 and a gearsupport part TD32. The gear support part TD32 extends radially outwardlyfrom the outer casing body TD31 with respect to the first rotationalaxis RA1. The gear support part TD32 includes the gear support hole TD4.The torque diode TD includes an internal structure configured totransmit rotation of the first shaft TD1 to the second shaft TD2 but notto transmit rotation of the second shaft TD2 to the first shaft TD1. Theouter casing body TD31 is configured to accommodate the internalstructure of the torque diode TD. The internal structure of the torquediode TD has been known in the mechanical field. Thus, it will not bedescribe in detail for the sake of brevity.

The outer casing TD3 includes a securing part TD33 configured to besecured to another member. The securing part TD33 extends radiallyoutwardly from the outer casing body TD31 with respect to the firstrotational axis RA1. The securing part TD33 includes a securing holeTD34.

The gear G4 can also be referred to as a third transmitting gear G4.Namely, the plurality of gears 38 includes the third transmitting gearG4. The third transmitting gear G4 is attached to the support pin 109.The third transmitting gear G4 includes an attachment hole G41. Anengagement portion G56 of the support pin 109 is press-fitted in theattachment hole G41.

An outer diameter DM26 of the first transmitting gear G6 is larger thanan outer diameter DM25 of the first additional transmitting gear G5. Theouter diameter DM26 of the first transmitting gear G6 is larger than anouter diameter DM27 of the second transmitting gear G7. The outerdiameter DM26 of the first transmitting gear G6 is larger than an outerdiameter DM24 of the third transmitting gear G4. However, the outerdiameter of the first transmitting gear G6 can be equal to or smallerthan at least one of the outer diameter DM25 of the first additionaltransmitting gear G5, the outer diameter DM27 of the second transmittinggear G7, and the outer diameter DM24 of the third transmitting gear G4.

As seen in FIG. 16 , the motor unit 34 includes a housing 110. The motorunit 34 includes a cover 111 configured to at least partly cover theoutput structure 44. The motor 35, the gear structure 36, and the cover111 are provided in the housing 110. The housing 110 includes a firsthousing 112, a second housing 114, and a third housing 115. The firsthousing 112 includes an accommodation space 112A. The motor 35 and thegear structure 36 are provided in the accommodation space 112A. Thesecond housing 114 is attached to the first housing 112 to cover an endopening of the accommodation space 112A. The third housing 115 isattached to the first housing 112 to hold the second housing 114 betweenthe first housing 112 and the third housing 115. The first housing 112includes a first housing support part 112B. The second housing 114includes a second housing support part 114B.

As seen in FIG. 14 , the cover 111 includes a cover opening 111A. Thefirst housing support part 112B includes a first through-hole 112C. Thesecond housing support part 114B includes a second through-hole 114C.The first link pin 26 extends through the cover opening 111A, the firstthrough-hole 112C, and the second through-hole 114C. The sleeve 86 ofthe output structure 44 extends through the cover opening 111A, thefirst through-hole 112C, and the second through-hole 114C. The cover111, the first housing 112, and the second housing 114 are supported bythe first link pin 26 with respect to the base member 12.

The base member 12 has at least one first link-pin-receiving opening R1.The motor unit 34 has at least one second link-pin-receiving opening R2.The at least one link member LM has at least one thirdlink-pin-receiving opening R3. One of the at least one link pin LP isconfigured to extend through the at least one first link-pin-receivingopening R1, the at least one second link-pin-receiving opening R2, andthe at least one third link-pin-receiving opening R3.

The at least one first link-pin-receiving opening R1 of the base member12 includes at least one first inner link-pin-receiving opening R11. Theat least one first inner link-pin-receiving opening R11 includes thefirst support hole 94 and the second support hole 95. The first supporthole 94 can also be referred to as a first inner link-pin-receivingopening 92. The second support hole 95 can also be referred to as afirst inner link-pin-receiving opening 94. Namely, the at least onefirst inner link-pin-receiving opening R11 includes a pair of firstinner link-pin-receiving openings 94 and 95. However, the total numberof the at least one first inner link-pin-receiving opening R11 it notlimited to two.

The at least one second link-pin-receiving opening R2 of the motor unit34 includes at least one second inner link-pin-receiving opening R21.The at least one second inner link-pin-receiving opening R21 includesthe first engagement hole 70, the second engagement hole 90, the coveropening 111A, the first through-hole 112C of the first housing 112, andthe second through-hole 114C of the second housing 114. The firstengagement hole 70 can also be referred to as a second innerlink-pin-receiving opening 70. The second engagement hole 90 can also bereferred to as a second inner link-pin-receiving opening 90. The coveropening 111A can also be referred to as a second innerlink-pin-receiving opening 111A. The first through-hole 112C can also bereferred to as a second inner link-pin-receiving opening 112C. Thesecond through-hole 114C can also be referred to as a second innerlink-pin-receiving opening 114C. However, the total number of the atleast one second inner link-pin-receiving opening R21 is not limited tofive.

The at least one third link-pin-receiving opening R3 of the at least onelink member LM includes at least one third inner link-pin-receivingopening R31 that the inner link member 22 has. The at least one thirdinner link-pin-receiving opening R31 includes the coupling hole 64 andthe additional coupling hole 65. The coupling hole 64 can also bereferred to as a third inner link-pin-receiving opening 64. Theadditional coupling hole 65 can also be referred to as a third innerlink-pin-receiving opening 65. Namely, the at least one third innerlink-pin-receiving opening R31 includes a pair of third innerlink-pin-receiving openings 64 and 65. However, the total number of theat least one third inner link-pin-receiving opening R31 is not limitedto two.

The inner link pin 26 is configured to extend through the at least onefirst inner link-pin-receiving opening R11, the at least one secondinner link-pin-receiving opening R21, and the at least one third innerlink-pin-receiving opening R31. The inner link pin 26 is configured toextend through the first inner link-pin-receiving openings 94 and 95,the second inner link-pin-receiving openings 70, 90, 111A, 112C, and114C, and the third inner link-pin-receiving openings 64 and 65. Theinner link pin 26 is provided in the first support hole 94, the secondsupport hole 95, the first engagement hole 70, and the coupling hole 64which are aligned along the inner-link pivot axis PA1.

The at least one first link-pin-receiving opening R1, the at least onesecond link-pin-receiving opening R2, and the at least one thirdlink-pin-receiving opening R3 are provided coaxially with each other inan assembled state of the bicycle derailleur 10. The at least one firstinner link-pin-receiving opening R11, the at least one second innerlink-pin-receiving opening R21, and the at least one third innerlink-pin-receiving opening R31 are provided coaxially with each other onan inner co-axis A1 in the assembled state of the bicycle derailleur 10.

In the first embodiment, the first inner link-pin-receiving openings 94and 95, the second inner link-pin-receiving openings 70, 90, 111A, 112C,and 114C, and the third inner link-pin-receiving openings 64 and 65 areprovided coaxially with each other on the inner co-axis A1 in theassembled state of the bicycle derailleur 10. The inner co-axis A1 iscoincident with the inner-link pivot axis PA1. However, at least one ofthe first inner link-pin-receiving openings 94 and 95, the second innerlink-pin-receiving openings 70, 90, 111A, 112C, and 114C, and the thirdinner link-pin-receiving openings 64 and 65 can be offset from anotheropening in the assembled state of the bicycle derailleur 10. The innerco-axis A1 can be offset from the inner-link pivot axis PA1.

At least one of the at least one second inner link-pin-receiving openingR21 and the at least one third inner link-pin-receiving opening R31 aredisposed between the pair of first inner link-pin-receiving openings 94and 95 in the axial direction D4 with respect to the inner co-axis A1.The at least one second inner link-pin-receiving opening R21 is disposedbetween the pair of third inner link-pin-receiving openings 64 and 65 inthe axial direction D4 with respect to the inner co-axis A1.

In the first embodiment, the second inner link-pin-receiving openings70, 90, 111A, 1120, and 114C are disposed between the pair of thirdinner link-pin-receiving openings in the axial direction D4 with respectto the inner co-axis A1. The second inner link-pin-receiving openings70, 90, 111A, 112C, and 114C are disposed between the pair of thirdinner link-pin-receiving openings 64 and 65 in the axial direction D4with respect to the inner co-axis A1. However, at least one of thesecond inner link-pin-receiving openings 70, 90, 111A, 112C, and 114Ccan be disposed outside a space defined between the pair of first innerlink-pin-receiving openings 94 and 95 in the axial direction D4. Atleast one of the second inner link-pin-receiving openings 70, 90, 111A,112C, and 114C can be disposed outside a space defined between the pairof third inner link-pin-receiving openings 64 and 65 in the axialdirection D4.

As seen in FIG. 14 , the at least one first link-pin-receiving openingR1 of the base member 12 includes at least one first outerlink-pin-receiving opening R12. The at least one secondlink-pin-receiving opening R2 of the motor unit 34 includes at least onesecond outer link-pin-receiving opening R22. The at least one thirdlink-pin-receiving opening R3 of the at least one link member LMincludes at least one third outer link-pin-receiving opening R32 thatthe outer link member 24 has. The outer link pin 28 is configured toextend through the at least one first outer link-pin-receiving openingR12, the at least one second outer link-pin-receiving opening R22, andthe at least one third outer link-pin-receiving opening R32.

In the first embodiment, the at least one first outer link-pin-receivingopening R12 includes a pair of first outer link-pin-receiving openings102 and 103. The first outer link-pin-receiving openings 102 includes athrough-hole. The first outer link-pin-receiving openings 103 includes athreaded hole. The base member 12 includes a third support body 104 anda fourth support body 105. The third support body 104 protrudes from thebase body 96 in a protruding direction D7 perpendicular to the secondpivot axis PA2. The fourth support body 105 protrudes from the base body96 in the protruding direction D7. The third support body 104 includesthe first outer link-pin-receiving openings 102. The fourth support body105 includes the first outer link-pin-receiving openings 103.

The at least one second outer link-pin-receiving opening R22 of themotor unit 34 includes a second outer link-pin-receiving opening 106.The motor unit 34 includes a pin support part 107. The pin support part107 includes the second outer link-pin-receiving opening 106. The atleast one third outer link-pin-receiving opening R32 of the outer linkmember 24 includes a third outer link-pin-receiving opening 108. Theouter link pin 28 is configured to extend through the pair of firstouter link-pin-receiving openings 102 and 103, the second outerlink-pin-receiving opening 106, and the third outer link-pin-receivingopening 108. The outer link pin 28 includes an external threaded part28A configured to be threadedly engaged with the first outerlink-pin-receiving openings 103.

The at least one first outer link-pin-receiving opening R12, the atleast one second outer link-pin-receiving opening R22, and the at leastone third outer link-pin-receiving opening R32 are provided coaxiallywith each other on an outer co-axis A2 in the assembled state of thebicycle derailleur 10. In the first embodiment, the pair of first outerlink-pin-receiving openings 102 and 103, the second outerlink-pin-receiving opening 106, and the third outer link-pin-receivingopening 108 are provided coaxially with each other on the outer co-axisA2 in the assembled state of the bicycle derailleur 10. The outerco-axis A2 is coincident with the outer-link pivot axis PA2. However, atleast one of the pair of first outer link-pin-receiving openings 102 and103, the second outer link-pin-receiving opening 106, and the thirdouter link-pin-receiving opening 108 can be offset from another openingin the assembled state of the bicycle derailleur 10. The outer co-axisA2 can be offset from the outer-link pivot axis PA2.

At least one of the at least one second outer link-pin-receiving openingR22 and the at least one third outer link-pin-receiving opening R32 aredisposed between the pair of first outer link-pin-receiving openings inan axial direction D6 with respect to the outer co-axis A2. The at leastone second outer link-pin-receiving opening R22 is disposed outside aspace defined between the pair of first outer link-pin-receivingopenings 102 and 103 in the axial direction D6 with respect to the outerco-axis A2.

In the first embodiment, the third outer link-pin-receiving opening 108is disposed between the pair of first outer link-pin-receiving openings102 and 103 in the axial direction D6 with respect to the outer co-axisA2. The second outer link-pin-receiving opening 106 is disposed outsidea space defined between the pair of first outer link-pin-receivingopenings 102 and 103 in the axial direction D6 with respect to the outerco-axis A2. However, the third outer link-pin-receiving opening 108 canbe disposed outside a space defined between the pair of first outerlink-pin-receiving openings 102 and 103 in the axial direction D6. Thesecond outer link-pin-receiving opening 106 can be disposed between thepair of first outer link-pin-receiving openings 102 and 103 in the axialdirection D6.

As seen in FIG. 16 , the motor unit 34 comprises a gear supportstructure 116. The gear support structure 116 is configured to rotatablysupport the plurality of gears 38. The gear support structure 116comprises a first support S1, the second support S2, a third support S3,and a fourth support S4. The gear support structure 116 comprises afifth support S5. In the first embodiment, the second support S2 is aseparate member from the first support S1. The second support S2 is aseparate member from the third support S3, the fourth support S4, andthe fifth support S5. The first support S1 is a separate member from thesecond support S2, the third support S3, and the fifth support S5. Thefirst support S1 is integrally provided with the fourth support S4 as aone-piece unitary member. The third support S3 is a separate member fromthe first support S1, the second support S2, the fourth support S4, andthe fifth support S5. The fifth support S5 is a separate member from thefirst support S1, the second support S2, the third support S3, and thefourth support S4. However, the first support S1 can be integrallyprovided with at least one of the second support S2, the third supportS3, and the fifth support S5 as a one-piece unitary member. The firstsupport S1 can be a separate member from the fourth support S4. Thesecond support S2 can be integrally provided with at least one of thefirst support S1, the third support S3, the fourth support S4, and thefifth support S5 as a one-piece unitary member. The third support S3 canbe integrally provided with at least one of the first support S1, thesecond support S2, the fourth support S4, and the fifth support S5 as aone-piece unitary member. The fifth support S5 can be integrallyprovided with at least one of the first support S1, the second supportS2, the third support S3, and the fourth support S4 as a one-pieceunitary member.

The housing 110 includes at least one of the first support S1, thesecond support S2, the third support S3, the fourth support S4, and thefifth support S5. In the first embodiment, the second housing 114includes the third support S3. However, the housing 110 can include atleast one of the first support S1, the second support S2, the fourthsupport S4, and the fifth support S5 instead of or in addition to thethird support S3.

The first support S1 and the fourth support S4 are secured to the motor35 with first fasteners F1 such as screws. The first support S1 and thefourth support S4 are secured to the second housing 114 with secondfasteners F21 and F22 such as screws. The outer casing TD3 of the torquediode TD is secured to the second housing 114 with the second fastenerF22. The fifth support S5 is secured to the second housing 114 with thesecond fastener F22 and a third fastener F3 such as screws.

As seen in FIG. 8 , the gear G2 can also be referred to as a first gearG2. The gear G3 can also be referred to as a first additional gear G3.The gear G4 and the third transmitting gear G4 can also be referred toas a second gear G4. The gear G5 and the first additional transmittinggear G5 can also be referred to as a second additional gear G5. The gearG6 and the first transmitting gear G6 can also be referred to as a thirdgear G6. Namely, the plurality of gears 38 comprises the first gear G2.The plurality of gears 38 comprises the first additional gear G3. Theplurality of gears 38 comprises the second gear G4 and the third gearG6. The plurality of gears 38 comprises the second additional gear G5.

The first gear G2 is rotatable relative to the gear support structure116 about a first gear axis GA2. The second gear G4 is rotatablerelative to the gear support structure 116 about a second gear axis GA4.The third gear G6 is rotatable relative to the gear support structure116 about a third gear axis GA6. The first additional gear G3 isrotatable relative to the gear support structure 116 about the firstgear axis GA2. The second additional gear G5 is rotatable relative tothe gear support structure 116 about the second gear axis GA4.

The first shaft TD1 can also be referred to as a third pin TD1. Thesupport pin 109 can also be referred to as a second pin 109. Theplurality of gears 38 comprises a first pin 122, the second pin 109, andthe third pin TD1. The first pin 122 is configured to rotatably supportthe first gear G2 about the first gear axis GA2. The second pin 109 isconfigured to rotatably support the second gear G4 about the second gearaxis GA4. The third pin TD1 is configured to rotatably support the thirdgear G6 about the third gear axis GA6. The first pin 122 is configuredto rotatably support the first gear G2 and the first additional gear G3about the first gear axis GA2. The second pin 109 is configured torotatably support the second gear G4 and the second additional gear G5about the second gear axis GA4.

The gears G8 and G9 are rotatable relative to the gear support structure116 about a fourth gear axis GA8. The plurality of gears 38 includes afourth pin 128. The gears G8 and G9 are attached to the fourth pin 128.The fourth pin 128 is configured to rotatably support the gears G8 andG9 about the fourth gear axis GA8.

As seen in FIG. 17 , the first pin 122 includes a first pin end 122A anda first opposite pin end 122B. The fourth pin 128 includes a fourth pinend 128A and a fourth opposite pin end 128B. The gear structure 36includes support bushes 128C and 128D. The support bush 128C is attachedto the fourth pin end 128A. The support bush 128D is attached to thefourth opposite pin end 128B.

As seen in FIG. 18 , the pin end 109A of the support pin 109 can also bereferred to as a second pin end 109A. The opposite pin end 109B of thesupport pin 109 can also be referred to as a second opposite pin end109B. Namely, the second pin 109 includes the second pin end 109A andthe second opposite pin end 109B. The third pin TD1 includes a third pinend TD11 and a third opposite pin end TD12. The second shaft TD2includes a pin end TD21 and an opposite pin end TD22. The gear structure36 includes support bushes TD13 and TD23. The support bush 109C isattached to the second pin end 109A. The support bush 109D is attachedto the second opposite pin end 109B. The support bush TD13 is attachedto the third opposite pin end TD12. The support bush TD23 is attached tothe opposite pin end TD22.

As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the first support S1 is configured tosupport the first pin end 122A and the second pin end 109A. As seen inFIG. 17 , the fourth support S4 is configured to support the firstopposite pin end 122B. As seen in FIG. 18 , the second support S2 isconfigured to support the second opposite pin end 109B and the third pinend TD11. The third support S3 is configured to support the thirdopposite pin end TD12. The second support S2 is configured to supportthe pin end TD21 of the second shaft TD2. The fifth support S5 isconfigured to support the opposite pin end TD22 of the second shaft TD2.

The outer casing TD3 of the torque diode TD includes at least one of thefirst support S1, the second support S2, the third support S3, and thefourth support S4. In the first embodiment, the outer casing TD3includes the second support S2. The second support S2 includes the gearsupport part TD32 (see, e.g., FIG. 15 ). However, the outer casing TD3can include at least one of the first support S1, the third support S3,and the fourth support S4 instead of or in addition to the secondsupport S2.

As seen in FIG. 17 , the first support S1 includes a first support holeS11. The fourth support S4 includes a fourth support hole S41. The firstpin end 122A is rotatably provided in the first support hole S11 aboutthe first gear axis GA2. The first opposite pin end 122B is rotatablyprovided in the fourth support hole S41 about the first gear axis GA2.

As seen in FIG. 18 , the first support S1 includes a first support holeS12. The second support S2 includes the gear support hole TD4. The thirdsupport S3 includes a third support hole S31. The fifth support S5includes a fifth support hole S51. The second pin end 109A is rotatablyprovided in the first support hole S12 about the second gear axis GA4.The support bush 109C is provided in the first support hole S12 torotatably support the second pin end 109A. The second opposite pin end109B is rotatably provided in the gear support hole TD4 about the secondgear axis GA4. The support bush 109D is provided in the gear supporthole TD4 to rotatably support the second opposite pin end 109B. Thethird opposite pin end TD12 is rotatably provided in the third supporthole S31. The support bush TD13 is provided in the third support holeS31 to rotatably support the third opposite pin end TD12. The oppositepin end TD22 of the second shaft TD2 is rotatably provided in the fifthsupport hole S51. The support bush TD23 is provided in the fifth supporthole S51 to rotatably support the opposite pin end TD22 of the secondshaft TD2.

As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18 , each of the first support S1, the secondsupport S2, the third support S3, and the fifth support S5 is configuredto rotatably support at least two gear support pins. Specifically, thefirst support S1 is configured to rotatably support the first pin 122and the second pin 109. The second support S2 is configured to rotatablysupport the second pin 109 and the third pin TD1. The third support S3is configured to rotatably support the third pin TD1 and the fourth pin128. The fifth support S5 is configured to rotatably support the fourthpin 128 and the second shaft TD2. However, at least one of the first tofifth supports S1 to S5 can be configured to rotatably support at leastone pin. At least one of the first to fifth supports S1 to S5 can beomitted from the bicycle derailleur 10.

As seen in FIG. 19 , the motor unit 34 is configured to move the chainguide 18 relative to the base member 12 in response to a control signaltransmitted from the operating device 3. The motor unit 34 is configuredto be powered by the electric power source PS separately provided fromthe bicycle derailleur 10. In the first embodiment, the motor unit 34 isconfigured to be electrically connected to the electric power source PSthrough the electric cable EC2. The motor unit 34 is configured tocommunicate with the operating device 4 through the electric powersource PS, the bicycle derailleur RD, and the electric cables EC1 andEC2 using the PLC. However, the electric power source PS can be directlymounted to at least one of the bicycle derailleurs 10 and RD. Thebicycle derailleurs RD and 10 can be configured to wirelesslycommunicate with the operating devices 3 and 4 if electric power sourcesare directly mounted to the bicycle derailleurs RD and 10. Furthermore,the electric power source PS can be configured to be shared between atleast one of the bicycle derailleurs 10 and RD and devices other thanthe bicycle derailleurs 10 and RD, such as an assist driving unitconfigured to apply assist force to the drive train DT (see, e.g., FIG.1 ).

The motor unit 34 includes a motor driver 130, a communicator 132, acircuit board 134, and a system bus 135. The motor driver 130 and thecommunicator 132 are electrically mounted on the circuit board 134. Themotor 35, the motor driver 130, and the communicator 132 areelectrically connected to each other through the circuit board 134 andthe system bus 135. The motor driver 130 is configured to control themotor 35 in response to an upshifting signal CS1 and a downshiftingsignal CS2 transmitted from the operating device 3. The communicator 132is configured to receive the upshifting signal CS1 and the downshiftingsignal CS2 from the operating device 3. The communicator 132 isconfigured to transmit and/or receive information to and/or from otherdevices using the PLC. The communicator 132 is configured to receiveelectric power from the electric power source PS.

As seen in FIG. 16 , the circuit board 134 is attached to the gearsupport structure 116. The circuit board 134 is secured to the fifthsupport S5 with fasteners F5 such as screws. The circuit board 134 isprovided in the housing 110.

As seen in FIG. 20 , the motor unit 34 includes a connector 136configured to be electrically connected to the electric cable EC2. Aconnector of the electric cable EC2 is detachably connected to theconnector 136. The connector 136 is attached to the first housing 112 ofthe housing 110. The first housing 112 includes a connector hole 112D.The connector 136 is provided in the connector hole 112D. The housing110 includes a connector cover 137. The connector cover 137 is attachedto the first housing 112 to cover the connector hole 112D. The connectorcover 137 includes a cable opening 137A. The electric cable EC2 extendsthrough the cable opening 137A. As seen in FIG. 19 , the connector 136is electrically connected to the motor driver 130 and the communicator132 through the circuit board 134 and the system bus 135.

The term “detachably,” as used herein, encompasses a configuration inwhich an element is repeatedly detachable from and attachable to anotherelement without substantial damage.

As seen in FIG. 19 , the bicycle derailleur 10 further comprises arotation sensor 138. The rotation sensor 138 is configured to sense arotational position of one of the plurality of gears 38 in the gearstructure 36. The rotation sensor 138 is configured to sense arotational position of one of the plurality of spur gears 40. Therotation sensor 138 is electrically mounted on the circuit board 134.The rotation sensor 138 is electrically connected to the motor driver130 and the communicator 132 through the circuit board 134 and thesystem bus 135.

As seen in FIG. 17 , the gear G8 can also be referred to as a sensorgear G8. Namely, the plurality of gears 38 includes the sensor gear G8.The plurality of spur gears 40 includes the sensor gear G8. The rotationsensor 138 is configured to sense a rotational position of the sensorgear G8. The sensor gear G8 is provided on the rotational-forcetransmission path 42 provided from the motor 35 to the at least one ofthe chain guide 18 and the linkage.

In the first embodiment, the gear structure 36 includes a sensor object140 coupled to the sensor gear G8. The sensor object 140 is rotatablerelative to the housing 110 along with the sensor gear G8. The sensorobject 140 is secured to the fourth opposite pin end 128B of the fourthpin 128. The rotation sensor 138 is configured to sense a rotationalposition of the sensor object 140 to sense the rotational position ofthe sensor gear G8.

In the first embodiment, the rotation sensor 138 includes an opticalencoder. The rotation sensor 138 is configured to emit light to thesensor object 140 and configured to detect light reflected by the sensorobject 140. However, the rotation sensor 138 can include another sensorinstead of or in addition to the optical encoder. The rotation sensor138 can be omitted from the bicycle derailleur 10.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the base member 12, the motor unit 34, andthe link member 22 and/or 24 are provided to at least partially overlapwith each other in a plurality of separate areas as viewed along thelink pivot axis PA1 and/or PA2. In the first embodiment, the base member12, the motor unit 34, and the inner link member 22 are provided to atleast partially overlap with each other in a first separate area SA1 asviewed along the inner-link pivot axis PA1. The base member 12, themotor unit 34, and the outer link member 24 are provided to at leastpartially overlap with each other in a second separate area SA2 asviewed along the outer-link pivot axis PA2. The first separate area SA1is spaced apart from the second separate area SA2.

In the first embodiment, the first support body 98 of the base member12, the second support body 100 of the base member 12, the first housingsupport part 112B of the first housing 112, the second housing supportpart 114B of the second housing 114, and the link member 22 are providedpartially overlap with each other in the first separate area SA1 asviewed along the link pivot axis PA1. The first housing 112 includes thepin support part 107. The third support body 104 of the base member 12,the fourth support body 105 of the base member 12, the pin support part107 of the first housing 112, and the link member 24 are providedpartially overlap with each other in the second separate area SA2 asviewed along the link pivot axis PA2. However, the arrangement of eachmember is not limited to the above arrangement.

As seen in FIG. 21 , a first reference line RL1 extends through thefirst pivot axis PA1 and the second pivot axis PA2 as viewed along thefirst pivot axis PAL The first reference line RL1 extends through thefirst pivot axis PA1 and the second pivot axis PA2 to establish aboundary between a first area AR1 and a second area AR2 as viewed alongthe first pivot axis PA1. A second reference line RL2 extends throughthe second pivot axis PA2 and the fourth pivot axis PA4 as viewed alongthe first pivot axis PAL A third reference line RL3 extends through thethird pivot axis PA3 and the fourth pivot axis PA4 as viewed along thefirst pivot axis PA1. A fourth reference line RL4 extends through thefirst pivot axis PA1 and the third pivot axis PA3 as viewed along thefirst pivot axis PA1.

The chain guide 18 is provided in the first area AR1 with respect to thefirst reference line RL1 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1. Thechain guide 18 is provided in the first area AR1 with respect to thefirst reference line RL1 without being provided in the second area AR2as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1.

At least one of the motor 35 and the gear structure 36 are at leastpartly provided in the first area AR1 as viewed along the first pivotaxis PA1. In the first embodiment, the motor 35 is entirely provided inthe second area AR2 as viewed along the first pivot axis PAL At leastone gear of the plurality of gears 38 is at least partly provided in thefirst area AR1 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1. At least onegear of the plurality of gears 38 is partly provided in the first areaAR1 as viewed along the first pivot axis PAL Specifically, the sensorgear G8 is at least partly provided in the first area AR1 as viewedalong the first pivot axis PA1. The sensor gear G8 is partly provided inthe first area AR1 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1. The gear G9is partly provided in the first area AR1 as viewed along the first pivotaxis PA1. The gear G10 is partly provided in the first area AR1 asviewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in a lower-gear state where thechain guide 18 is in the lower-gear position P11. However, another gearof the plurality of gears 38 can be at least partly provided in thefirst area AR1 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 if needed and/ordesired. The motor 35 can be at least partly or entirely provided in thefirst area AR1 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 if needed and/ordesired. The gear structure 36 can be entirely provided in one of thefirst area AR1 and the second area AR2 as viewed along the first pivotaxis PA1 if needed and/or desired.

The gear structure 36 is at least partly provided in an arrangement areaAR3 surrounded by the first reference line RL1, the second referenceline RL2, the third reference line RL3, and the fourth reference lineRL4 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1. At least one of the motor35 and the gear structure 36 are at least partly provided in thearrangement area AR3 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1. The gearstructure 36 is at least partly provided in the arrangement area AR3 asviewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in the lower-gear state. The gearstructure 36 is at least partly provided in the arrangement area AR3 asviewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in a higher-gear state where thechain guide 18 is in the higher-gear position P12. However, the gearstructure 36 can be at least partly provided in the arrangement area AR3as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in a state where the chainguide 18 is in only one of the lower-gear state and the higher-gearstate.

In the first embodiment, the gear structure 36 is partly provided in thearrangement area AR3 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in boththe lower-gear state and the higher-gear state. The motor 35 is entirelyprovided outside the arrangement area AR3 as viewed along the firstpivot axis PA1 in both the lower-gear state and the higher-gear state.At least one gear of the plurality of gears 38 is at least partlyprovided in the arrangement area AR3 as viewed along the first pivotaxis PA1 in both the lower-gear state and the higher-gear state. Atleast one gear of the plurality of gears 38 is partly provided in thearrangement area AR3 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in boththe lower-gear state and the higher-gear state. Specifically, the sensorgear G8 is at least partly provided in the arrangement area AR3 asviewed along the first pivot axis PA1. The sensor gear G8 is partlyprovided in the arrangement area AR3 as viewed along the first pivotaxis PA1 in both the lower-gear state and the higher-gear state. Thegear G9 is partly provided in the arrangement area AR3 as viewed alongthe first pivot axis PA1. The gear G10 is partly provided in thearrangement area AR3 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in boththe lower-gear state and the higher-gear state. However, another gear ofthe plurality of gears 38 can be at least partly provided in thearrangement area AR3 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in atleast one of the lower-gear state and the higher-gear state. The motor35 can be at least partly or entirely provided in the arrangement areaAR3 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in at least one of thelower-gear state and the higher-gear state. The gear structure 36 can beentirely provided outside the arrangement area AR3 as viewed along thefirst pivot axis PA1 in at least one of the lower-gear state and thehigher-gear state.

As seen in FIG. 21 , at least one of the inner link member 22 and theouter link member 24 is contactable with one of the base member 12 andan outer surface of the housing 110 to define at least one of thelower-gear position P11 and the higher-gear position P12. The outer linkmember 24 is contactable with one of the base member 12 and the outersurface of the housing 110 to define the lower-gear position P11. One ofthe base member 12 and the outer surface of the housing 110 includes alower-gear positioning surface 150 contactable with the outer linkmember 24 to define the lower-gear position P11.

In the first embodiment, the outer link member 24 is contactable withthe base member 12 to define the lower-gear position P11. The chainguide 18 is in the lower-gear position P11 in a state where the outerlink member 24 is in contact with the lower-gear positioning surface150. The base member 12 includes the lower-gear positioning surface 150.However, the outer link member 24 can be configured to be contactablewith the outer surface of the housing 110 to define the lower-gearposition P11. The outer surface of the housing 110 can include thelower-gear positioning surface 150.

The lower-gear positioning surface 150 is provided between the firstreference line RL1 and the third reference line RL3 as viewed along thefirst pivot axis PA1. The lower-gear positioning surface 150 is providedcloser to the first reference line RL1 than to the third reference lineRL3 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in both the lower-gearstate and the higher-gear state. The lower-gear positioning surface 150is provided in the arrangement area AR3 as viewed along the first pivotaxis PA1 in both the lower-gear state and the higher-gear state.However, the lower-gear positioning surface 150 can be provided betweenthe first reference line RL1 and the third reference line RL3 as viewedalong the first pivot axis PA1 in at least one of the lower-gear stateand the higher-gear state. The lower-gear positioning surface 150 can beprovided closer to the first reference line RL1 than to the thirdreference line RL3 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in at leastone of the lower-gear state and the higher-gear state. The lower-gearpositioning surface 150 can be provided closer to the third referenceline RL3 than to the first reference line RL1 as viewed along the firstpivot axis PA1 in at least one of the lower-gear state and thehigher-gear state. The lower-gear positioning surface 150 can beprovided at an intermediate position between the first reference lineRL1 and the third reference line RL3 as viewed along the first pivotaxis PA1 in at least one of the lower-gear state and the higher-gearstate.

The outer link member 24 is contactable with the chain guide 18 todefine the higher-gear position P12. The chain guide 18 includes ahigher-gear positioning members 18C configured to be contactable withthe outer link member 24 to define the higher-gear position P12, Thechain guide 18 is in the higher-gear position P12 in a state where thehigher-gear positioning members 18C is in contact with the outer linkmember 24.

The higher-gear positioning members 18C is attached to at least one ofthe inner guide member 18A and the outer guide member 18B. Thehigher-gear positioning members 18C includes a screw threadedly engagedwith the at least one of the inner guide member 18A and the outer guidemember 18B. However, the higher-gear position P12 can be defined byother structures.

As seen in FIG. 22 , for example, the inner link member 22 can becontactable with one of the base member 12 and the outer surface of thehousing 110 to define the higher-gear position P12. One of the basemember 12 and the outer surface of the housing 110 can include ahigher-gear positioning surface 152 contactable with the inner linkmember 22 to define the higher-gear position P12. In the modification,the higher-gear positioning members 18C illustrated in FIG. 21 isomitted from the chain guide 18. Instead, the inner link member 22 iscontactable with the base member 12 to define the higher-gear positionP12. The base member 12 includes the higher-gear positioning surface152. However, the inner link member 22 can be configured to becontactable with the outer surface of the housing 110 to define thehigher-gear position P12. The outer surface of the housing 110 caninclude the higher-gear positioning surface 152.

In the modification, the higher-gear positioning surface 152 is providedbetween the second reference line RL2 and the fourth reference line RL4as viewed along the first pivot axis PAL The higher-gear positioningsurface 152 is provided between the second reference line RL2 and thefourth reference line RL4 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 inboth the lower-gear state and the higher-gear state. The higher-gearpositioning surface 152 is provided outside a space provided between thefirst pivot axis PA1 and the third pivot axis PA3 as viewed along thefirst pivot axis PA1 in at least one of the lower-gear state and thehigher-gear state. The higher-gear positioning surface 152 is providedcloser to the fourth reference line RL4 than to the second referenceline RL2 as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in at least one of thelower-gear state and the higher-gear state. However, the higher-gearpositioning surface 152 can be provided closer to the second referenceline RL2 than to the fourth reference line RL4 as viewed along the firstpivot axis PA1 in at least one of the lower-gear state and thehigher-gear state. The higher-gear positioning surface 152 is providedbetween the second reference line RL2 and the fourth reference line RL4as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1 in at least one of thelower-gear state and the higher-gear state.

As seen in FIG. 23 , the inner guide member 18A includes an inner guideplate 160. The inner guide plate 160 includes an opening 162 having aninner periphery 164. The inner guide plate 160 includes openings 166,168, and 170. At least one of the openings 166, 168, and 170 can beomitted from the inner guide plate 160.

As seen in FIG. 24 , the inner guide member 18A includes a surroundingwall 174. The surrounding wall 174 extends from the inner periphery 164of the opening 162 in one of the outward-shifting direction D11 and theinward-shifting direction D12. In the first embodiment, the surroundingwall 174 extends from the inner periphery 164 of the opening 162 in theinward-shifting direction D12. However, the surrounding wall 174 can beconfigured to extend from the inner periphery 164 of the opening 162 inthe outward-shifting direction D11 if needed and/or desired.

The inner guide plate 160 has an inner guide surface 176 configured tobe contactable with the chain C when the inner guide plate 160 guidesthe chain C in the outward-shifting direction D11. The surrounding wall174 is at least partly inclined relative to the inner guide surface 176.In the first embodiment, the surrounding wall 174 is entirely inclinedrelative to the inner guide surface 176. However, the surrounding wall174 can be partly inclined relative to the inner guide surface 176 ifneeded and/or desired.

The opening 162 of the inner guide plate 160 is at least partly providedin the inner guide surface 176. However, the opening 162 can be providedoutside the inner guide surface 176 if needed and/or desired.

The surrounding wall 174 includes an annular end 174A defining anadditional opening 178. In the first embodiment, the additional opening178 is smaller than the opening 162 of the inner guide plate 160.However, the additional opening 178 can has the same area as that of theopening 162 of the inner guide plate 160 or can larger than the opening162 of the inner guide plate 160 if needed and/or desired.

In the first embodiment, the surrounding wall 174 is integrally providedwith the inner guide plate 160 as a one-piece unitary member. Forexample, the inner guide plate 160 and the surrounding wall 174 areformed by press working from a plate material. However, the surroundingwall 174 can be a separate member from the inner guide plate 160 ifneeded and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 25 , the surrounding wall 174 is provided to at leastpartly surround the opening 162. In the first embodiment, thesurrounding wall 174 is provided to entirely surround the opening 162.However, the surrounding wall 174 can be provided to partly surround theopening 162 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 26 , the surrounding wall 174 can be provided to theinner guide surface 176 of the inner guide plate 160 and configured topush the chain C in an outward-shifting operation in which the chain Cmoves in the outward-shifting direction D11 if needed and/or desired.

Second Embodiment

A bicycle derailleur 210 in accordance with a second embodiment will bedescribed below referring to FIGS. 27 to 36 . The bicycle derailleur 210has the same structure and/or configuration as those of the bicyclederailleur 10 except for the coupling structure of the link member 22.Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those in thefirst embodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not bedescribed and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIGS. 27 and 28 , the bicycle derailleur 210 comprises thebase member 12. The bicycle derailleur 210 comprises the chain guide 18.The bicycle derailleur 210 comprises the linkage structure 20. Thebicycle derailleur 210 comprises the motor unit 34.

As seen in FIG. 29 , the motor unit 34 is configured to apply therotational force to the first link pin 26 to rotate the first link pin26 relative to the base member 12 about the first pivot axis PA1. Thefirst link member 22 is coupled to the first link pin 26 to be pivotablerelative to the base member 12 about the first pivot axis PA1. The chainguide 18 is pivotally coupled to the first link member 22 to moverelative to the base member 12 in response to a pivotal movement of thefirst link member 22 relative to the base member 12.

As seen in FIG. 30 , the output structure 44 is coupled to the firstlink pin 26 to be rotatable relative to the base member 12 about thefirst pivot axis PA1. At least one of the first link pin 26 and theoutput structure 44 includes a first coupling part 252. The first linkmember 22 includes a second coupling part 254. The first coupling part252 is engaged with the second coupling part 254 to transmit therotational force from the at least one of the first link pin 26 and theoutput structure 44 to the first link member 22. The first coupling part252 is engaged with the second coupling part 254 to restrict a relativerotation between the inner link member 22 and the one of the inner linkpin 26 and the output structure 44.

In the second embodiment, the output structure 44 includes the firstcoupling part 252. The first coupling part 252 is engaged with thesecond coupling part 254 to transmit the rotational force from theoutput structure 44 to the first link member 22. However, the first linkpin 26 or both the first link pin 26 and the output structure 44 caninclude the first coupling part 252 if needed and/or desired. The firstcoupling part 252 can be engaged with the second coupling part 254 totransmit the rotational force from first link pin 26 or both the firstlink pin 26 and the output structure 44 to the first link member 22 ifneeded and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 31 , the first coupling part 252 has a first profile 256other than a perfect circle as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1.The second coupling part 254 has a second profile 258 other than aperfect circle as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1.

In the second embodiment, the first coupling part 252 includes at leastone first flat surface 260. The at least one first flat surface 260constitutes the first profile 256. The torque-transmitting profile 256includes at least one first flat surface 260. The second coupling part254 includes at least one second flat surface 262. The at least onesecond flat surface 262 constitutes the second profile 258. The at leastone first flat surface 260 is contactable with the at least one secondflat surface 262 to transmit the rotational force from the at least oneof the first link pin 26 and the output structure 44 to the first linkmember 22 in a state where the first coupling part 252 is engaged withthe second coupling part 254. The at least one first flat surface 260 iscontactable with the at least one second flat surface 262 to restrict arelative rotation between the first link member 22 and the at least oneof the first link pin 26 and the output structure 44 about the firstpivot axis PA1.

In the second embodiment, the at least one first flat surface 260 iscontactable with the at least one second flat surface 262 to transmitthe rotational force from the output structure 44 to the first linkmember 22 in the state where the first coupling part 252 is engaged withthe second coupling part 254. However, the at least one first flatsurface 260 can be configured to be contactable with the at least onesecond flat surface 262 to transmit the rotational force from the firstlink pin 26 or both the first link pin 26 and the output structure 44 tothe first link member 22 in the state where the first coupling part 252is engaged with the second coupling part 254 if needed and/or desired.

The first coupling part 252 includes two first flat surfaces 260. One ofthe first flat surfaces 260 is provided on a reverse side of the otherof the first flat surfaces 260 with respect to the first pivot axis PA1.The second coupling part 254 includes two second flat surfaces 262. Oneof the second flat surfaces 262 is provided on an opposite side of theother of the second flat surfaces 262 with respect to the first pivotaxis PA1. The first flat surface 260 is configured to face the secondflat surface 262 and is contactable with the second flat surface 262.The first flat surface 260 faces away from the longitudinal axis LA1.The second flat surface 262 faces toward the longitudinal axis LA1. Thesecond flat surfaces 262 are spaced apart from each other.

As seen in FIG. 32 , the second coupling part 254 includes at least onecoupling portion 254A. In the second embodiment, the second couplingpart 254 includes two coupling portion 254A. The coupling portion 254Aincludes the second flat surface 262. The coupling portions 254A arespaced apart from each other. The coupling portions 254A extend from thefirst link arm 22A in the axial direction D4 of the first pivot axisPA1.

As seen in FIG. 30 , the first link member 22 includes a coupling hole264 provided on the first link arm 22A. The first link pin 26 includesan additional coupling part 265. As seen in FIG. 33 , the additionalcoupling part 265 is provided in the coupling hole 264. The couplinghole 264 has an inner profile which is a perfect circle as viewed alongthe first pivot axis PA1. The additional coupling part 265 has an outerprofile which is a perfect circle as viewed along the first pivot axisPA1. However, the coupling hole 264 and the additional coupling part 265can have a profile other than a perfect circle as viewed along the firstpivot axis PA1.

As seen in FIG. 30 , the engagement body 66 includes a first engagementhole 270. The sleeve 86 includes the first engagement hole 270 and thesecond engagement part 88. The first link pin 26 includes a firstengagement part 272. The first engagement part 272 is provided in thefirst engagement hole 270 to transmit the rotational force from theoutput structure 44 to the first link pin 26. The first engagement part272 is provided in the first engagement hole 270 to restrict a relativerotation between the first link pin 26 and the output structure 44.

As seen in FIG. 31 , the first engagement part 272 has an outer profile276 other than a perfect circle as viewed along the first pivot axis PALThe first engagement hole 270 has an inner profile 278 other than aperfect circle as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1. In the secondembodiment, the outer profile 276 of the first engagement part 272 has apolygonal shape. The inner profile 278 of the first engagement hole 270has a polygonal shape. The outer profile 276 has a substantiallytetragonal shape. The inner profile 278 has a substantially tetragonalshape. The outer profile 276 and the inner profile 278 are configured torotate the first link pin 26 along with the output structure 44 aboutthe first pivot axis PAL

The first engagement part 272 includes at least one outer flat surface280. The first engagement hole 270 includes at least one inner flatsurface 282. The at least one outer flat surface 280 is contactable withthe at least one inner flat surface 282 to transmit the rotational forcefrom the output gear G10 (see, e.g., FIG. 30 ) to the first link pin 26in a state where the first engagement part 272 is provided in the firstengagement hole 270. The at least one outer flat surface 280 iscontactable with the at least one inner flat surface 282 to restrict arelative rotation between the output gear G10 (see, e.g., FIG. 30 ) andthe first link pin 26 about the first pivot axis PA1 in the state wherethe first engagement part 272 is provided in the first engagement hole270.

In the second embodiment, the first engagement part 272 includes fourouter flat surfaces 280 constituting the substantially tetragonal shape.The first engagement hole 270 includes four inner flat surfaces 282constituting the substantially tetragonal shape. The outer flat surface280 is configured to face the inner flat surface 282 and is contactablewith the inner flat surface 282. The outer flat surface 280 faces awayfrom the longitudinal axis LA1. The inner flat surface 282 faces towardthe longitudinal axis LA1. The first engagement hole 270 is defined bythe second flat surfaces 62. However, the first engagement part 272 caninclude structures other than the at least one outer flat surface 280.The first engagement hole 270 can include structures other than the atleast one inner flat surface 282.

In the second embodiment, the first engagement part 272 frictionallyengages with the first engagement hole 270. The first engagement part272 is press-fitted in the first engagement hole 270. However, theengagement structure between the first engagement part 272 and the firstengagement hole 270 is not limited to the frictional engagement such aspress-fitting. The engagement structure between the first engagementpart 272 and the first engagement hole 270 can include other structuresuch as a bonding structure (e.g., an adhesive agent). Furthermore, theshapes of the first engagement hole 270 and the first engagement part272 are not limited to a polygonal shape. At least one of the firstengagement hole 270 and the first engagement part 272 can have anotherprofile such as a circular shape, a spline, and a serration.

As seen in FIG. 34 , the first link pin 26 extends through the firstengagement hole 270. The sleeve 86 extends through the second engagementhole 90. The first end portion 46A is provided outside the firstengagement hole 270. The second end portion 46B is provided outside thefirst engagement hole 270.

The at least one second link-pin-receiving opening R2 of the motor unit34 includes at least one second inner link-pin-receiving opening R21.The at least one second inner link-pin-receiving opening R21 includesthe first engagement hole 270, the second engagement hole 90, the coveropening 111A, the first through-hole 112C of the first housing 112, andthe second through-hole 114C of the second housing 114. The firstengagement hole 270 can also be referred to as a second innerlink-pin-receiving opening 270. However, the total number of the atleast one second inner link-pin-receiving opening R21 is not limited tofive.

The at least one third link-pin-receiving opening R3 of the at least onelink member LM includes at least one third inner link-pin-receivingopening R31 that the inner link member 22 has. The at least one thirdinner link-pin-receiving opening R31 includes the coupling hole 264 andthe additional coupling hole 65. The coupling hole 264 can also bereferred to as a third inner link-pin-receiving opening 264. Namely, theat least one third inner link-pin-receiving opening R31 includes a pairof third inner link-pin-receiving openings 264 and 65. However, thetotal number of the at least one third inner link-pin-receiving openingR31 is not limited to two.

The inner link pin 26 is configured to extend through the at least onefirst inner link-pin-receiving opening R11, the at least one secondinner link-pin-receiving opening R21, and the at least one third innerlink-pin-receiving opening R31. The inner link pin 26 is configured toextend through the first inner link-pin-receiving openings 94 and 95,the second inner link-pin-receiving openings 270, 90, 111A, 112C, and114C, and the third inner link-pin-receiving openings 264 and 65. Theinner link pin 26 is provided in the first support hole 94, the secondsupport hole 95, the first engagement hole 270, and the coupling hole264 which are aligned along the inner-link pivot axis PAL

The at least one first link-pin-receiving opening R1, the at least onesecond link-pin-receiving opening R2, and the at least one thirdlink-pin-receiving opening R3 are provided coaxially with each other inan assembled state of the bicycle derailleur 210. The at least one firstinner link-pin-receiving opening R11, the at least one second innerlink-pin-receiving opening R21, and the at least one third innerlink-pin-receiving opening R31 are provided coaxially with each other onan inner co-axis A1 in the assembled state of the bicycle derailleur210.

In the second embodiment, the first inner link-pin-receiving openings 94and 95, the second inner link-pin-receiving openings 270, 90, 111A,112C, and 114C, and the third inner link-pin-receiving openings 264 and65 are provided coaxially with each other on the inner co-axis A1 in theassembled state of the bicycle derailleur 210. The inner co-axis A1 iscoincident with the inner-link pivot axis PAL However, at least one ofthe first inner link-pin-receiving openings 94 and 95, the second innerlink-pin-receiving openings 270, 90, 111A, 112C, and 114C, and the thirdinner link-pin-receiving openings 264 and 65 can be offset from anotheropening in the assembled state of the bicycle derailleur 210. The innerco-axis A1 can be offset from the inner-link pivot axis PA1.

At least one of the at least one second inner link-pin-receiving openingR21 and the at least one third inner link-pin-receiving opening R31 aredisposed between the pair of first inner link-pin-receiving openings 94and 95 in the axial direction D4 with respect to the inner co-axis A1.The at least one second inner link-pin-receiving opening R21 is disposedbetween the pair of third inner link-pin-receiving openings 264 and 65in the axial direction D4 with respect to the inner co-axis A1.

In the second embodiment, the second inner link-pin-receiving openings270, 90, 111A, 112C, and 114C are disposed between the pair of thirdinner link-pin-receiving openings in the axial direction D4 with respectto the inner co-axis A1. The second inner link-pin-receiving openings270, 90, 111A, 112C, and 114C are disposed between the pair of thirdinner link-pin-receiving openings 264 and 65 in the axial direction D4with respect to the inner co-axis A1. However, at least one of thesecond inner link-pin-receiving openings 270, 90, 111A, 112C, and 114Ccan be disposed outside a space defined between the pair of first innerlink-pin-receiving openings 94 and 95 in the axial direction D4. Atleast one of the second inner link-pin-receiving openings 270, 90, 111A,112C, and 114C can be disposed outside a space defined between the pairof third inner link-pin-receiving openings 264 and 65 in the axialdirection D4.

As seen in FIG. 28 , the bicycle derailleur 210 further comprises aretainer 290. The retainer 290 is configured to restrict the first linkpin 26 from being unintentionally dropped off from the base member 12.The retainer 290 is configured to be detachably attached to the basemember 12.

As seen in FIG. 35 , the first support part 98A of the base member 12includes an insertion opening 12A and a recess 12B. The insertionopening 12A is connected to an inner peripheral surface of the firsthole 98C of the first support part 98A. The retainer 290 is configuredto be at least partly provided in the insertion opening 12A and therecess 12B.

The retainer 290 includes an attachment body 292, a pair of attachmentarms 293, and a retainer body 294. The attachment arms 293 extend fromthe attachment body 292. The attachment arms 293 are configured to holda part of the base member 12 to detachably couple the retainer 290 tothe base member 12. In the second embodiment, the attachment arms 293are configured to hold the first bush 98B of the base member 12therebetween.

The retainer body 294 extends from the attachment body 292. The retainerbody 294 is partly provided in the insertion opening 12A in a statewhere the retainer 290 is attached to the base member 12. The retainerbody 294 is at least partly provided in the first hole 98C of the firstsupport part 98A in the state where the retainer 290 is attached to thebase member 12.

The retainer 290 includes an engagement part 296 configured to beengaged with the base member 12. The engagement part 296 extends fromthe attachment body 292. The engagement part 296 is configured to beelastically deformed.

As seen in FIG. 36 , the engagement part 296 is configured to be engagedwith an inner peripheral surface of the first hole 98C to restrict theretainer 290 from being unintentionally dropped off from the base member12. Thus, the retainer 290 restricts the first link pin 26 from beingunintentionally dropped off from the first support hole 94 and the firsthole 98C of the base member 12 in the state where the retainer 290 isattached to the base member 12. However, the retainer 290 can be omittedfrom the bicycle derailleur 210 if needed and/or desired. Furthermore,the retainer 290 can be applied to the bicycle derailleur 10 of thefirst embodiment.

Modifications

In the first and second embodiments, the second engagement part 88 ofthe sleeve 86 has the additional outer profile 92 which is a perfectcircle as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1. The second engagementhole 90 of the tubular part 84 has the additional inner profile 93 whichis a perfect circle as viewed along the first pivot axis PA1. As seen inFIG. 37 , however, the second engagement part 88 can have an additionalouter profile 392 other than a perfect circle as viewed along the firstpivot axis PAL The second engagement hole 90 can have an additionalinner profile 394 other than a perfect circle as viewed along the firstpivot axis PA1.

In the modification, the additional outer profile 392 of the secondengagement part 88 has a polygonal shape. The additional inner profile394 of the second engagement hole 90 has a polygonal shape. Theadditional outer profile 392 of the second engagement part 88 has ahexagonal shape. The additional inner profile 394 of the secondengagement hole 90 has a hexagonal shape. The second engagement part 88includes at least one additional outer flat surface 380. The secondengagement hole 90 includes at least one additional inner flat surface382. The at least one additional outer flat surface 380 is contactablewith the at least one additional inner flat surface 382 to transmit therotational force from the tubular part 84 to the sleeve 86. The secondengagement part 88 includes six additional outer flat surfaces 380constituting the hexagonal shape. The second engagement hole 90 includessix additional inner flat surface 382 constituting the hexagonal shape.However, at least one of the second engagement part 88 and the secondengagement hole 90 can have another profile other than a perfect circleand the hexagonal shape.

In the first and second embodiments, the communicator 132 is configuredto communicate with other devices using a wired communication. However,the bicycle derailleur 10 can be configured to communicate with otherdevices such as the operating device 3 using a wireless communication orboth the wired communication and the wireless communication. Thecommunicator 132 can be configured to communicate with other devicessuch as the operating device 3 using wireless communication or both thewired communication and the wireless communication. The communicator 132can includes a wireless communicator configured to wirelesslycommunicate with other devices such as the operating device 3. In such amodification, for example, the wireless communicator can be provided inthe arrangement area AR3 and/or the second area AR2 as viewed along thefirst pivot axis PA1.

In the first and second embodiments, the bicycle derailleur 10 or 210includes the motor unit 34. However, the motor unit 34 can be omittedfrom the bicycle derailleur 10 or 210. In such a modification, thebicycle derailleur 10 or 210 can be actuated by a mechanical cable suchas a Bowden cable.

In the first and second embodiments, the bicycle derailleur 10 or 210 isconfigured to be electrically connected to the electric power source PSmounted to the bicycle frame 4. However, the electric power source PScan be directly mounted to the bicycle derailleur 10. In such amodification, the bicycle derailleur 10 or 210 includes a power-sourceattachment part to which an electric power source PS is attached.

The bicycle derailleur 10 or 210 can includes an indicator such as alight-emitting diode (LED). In such a modification, the indicator isconfigured to indicate information relating to the bicycle 2. Theinformation relating to the bicycle 2 includes a communication status ofthe bicycle derailleur 10 or 210, a remaining level of the electricpower source PS, and a gear position of the bicycle derailleur 10 or210.

As seen in FIGS. 38 to 43 , the chain guide 18 can have shapesillustrated in the first and second embodiments. As seen in FIG. 38 ,for example, the chain guide 18 of the bicycle derailleur 210 comprisesa first guide member 318A and a second guide member 318B. The firstguide member 318A is an inner guide member. The second guide member 318Bis an outer guide member. Thus, the first guide member 318A can also bereferred to as an inner guide member 318A. The second guide member 318Bcan also be referred to as an outer guide member 318B. However, thefirst guide member 318A can be an outer guide member. The second guidemember 318B can be an inner guide member. The first guide member 318Ahas substantially the same structure as the structure of the inner guidemember 18A of the first and second embodiments. The second guide member318B has substantially the same structure as the structure of the outerguide member 18B of the first and second embodiments. In thismodification, the second guide member 318B is a separate member from thefirst guide member 318A. However, the second guide member 318B can beintegrally provided with the first guide member 318A as a one-pieceunitary member.

As seen in FIG. 39 , the inner guide plate 160 can also be referred toas a first guide plate 160. Thus, the first guide member 318A includesthe first guide plate 160 configured to be contactable with the chain C.The second guide member 318B includes a second guide plate 322configured to be contactable with the chain C and is spaced apart fromthe first guide member 318A. The second guide plate 322 is spaced apartfrom the first guide plate 160 in a first direction D81. The first guideplate 160 and the second guide plate 322 defines a chain-guide space 324in which the chain C is to be provided.

As seen in FIG. 40 , the second guide member 318B includes an extendingpart 326. The extending part 326 extends from the second guide plate 322toward the first guide plate 160. The extending part 326 extends fromthe second guide plate 322 toward the first guide plate 160 in the firstdirection D81. The first guide member 318A includes a securing part 328extending from the first guide plate 160 toward the second guide plate322. The securing part 328 extends from the first guide plate 160 towardthe second guide plate 322 in the first direction D81. The extendingpart 326 is configured to be secured to the securing part 328.

The extending part 326 includes a first extending part 330 and a secondextending part 332. The first extending part 330 is at least partlyspaced apart from the second extending part 332. The first extendingpart 330 is at least partly spaced apart from the second extending part332 in a second direction D82 different from the first direction D81. Inthis modification, the first extending part 330 is partly spaced apartfrom the second extending part 332 in the second direction D82perpendicular to the first direction D81. However, the second directionD82 can be non-perpendicular to the first direction D81.

The first extending part 330 includes a fastening hole 330A. The chainguide 18 further comprises a fastener 334A configured to secure theextending part 326 to the first guide member 318A. The fastener 334Aextends through the fastening hole 330A. Similarly, the first extendingpart 330 includes a fastening hole 330B. The chain guide 18 furthercomprises a fastener 334B configured to secure the extending part 326 tothe first guide member 318A. The fastener 334B extends through thefastening hole 330B. The fastening hole 330A is spaced apart from thefastening hole 330B in the second direction D82. A total number of thefastening holes 330A and 330B is not limited to two. Furthermore, thesecond extending part 332 can include a fastening hole 330A instead ofor in addition to the fastening holes 330A and 330B. At least one of thefastening holes 330A and 330B can be omitted from the first extendingpart 330.

The securing part 328 includes an additional fastening hole 328A. Theadditional fastening hole 328A corresponds to the fastening hole 330A.The fastener 334A extends through the additional fastening hole 328A.Similarly, the securing part 328 includes an additional fastening hole328B. The additional fastening hole 328B corresponds to the fasteninghole 330B. The fastener 334B extends through the additional fasteninghole 328B. The additional fastening hole 328A is spaced apart from theadditional fastening hole 328B in the second direction D82. A totalnumber of the additional fastening holes 328A and 328B is not limited totwo. At least one of the additional fastening holes 328A and 328B can beomitted from the securing part 328.

In the present embodiment, each of the fasteners 334A and 334B includesa screw. Each of the fastening holes 330A and 330B includes a threadedhole. Each of the additional fastening holes 328A and 328B includes athreaded hole. The fastener 334A is configured to be threadedly engagedin the fastening hole 330A and the additional fastening hole 328A. Thefastener 334B is configured to be threadedly engaged in the fasteninghole 330B and the additional fastening hole 328B.

The first guide member 318A includes an additional securing part 336.The second guide member 318B includes an additional securing part 338.The chain guide 18 includes an additional fastener 339. The additionalsecuring part 336 is secured to the additional securing part 338 withthe additional fastener 339. The additional fastener 339 includes arivet. However, the additional fastener 339 can include other fastenerssuch as a screw.

The first guide member 318A includes a first coupling atm 340 and afirst additional coupling arm 342. The first coupling arm 340 isconfigured to be pivotally coupled to the link member 24 (see, e.g.,FIG. 39 ) of the linkage structure 20. The first additional coupling arm342 is configured to be pivotally coupled to the link member 24 (see,e.g., FIG. 39 ) of the linkage structure 20.

The first coupling arm 340 extends from the securing part 328 away fromthe chain-guide space 324. The first additional coupling arm 342 extendsfrom the securing part 328 away from the chain-guide space 324.

As seen in FIG. 41 , the first guide member 318A includes a secondcoupling arm 344 and a second additional coupling arm 346. The secondcoupling arm 344 is configured to be pivotally coupled to the additionallink member 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 39 ) of the linkage structure 20. Thesecond additional coupling arm 346 is configured to be pivotally coupledto the additional link member 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 39 ) of the linkagestructure 20. The second coupling arm 344 and the second additionalcoupling arm 346 extend from the second guide plate 322 in the firstdirection D81.

As seen in FIG. 42 , the first extending part 330 has a first endportion 350, a second end portion 352, and a first intermediate portion354 positioned between the first end portion 350 and the second endportion 352. The second extending part 332 has a third end portion 356,a fourth end portion 358, and a second intermediate portion 360positioned between the third end portion 356 and the fourth end portion358.

The first intermediate portion 354 of the first extending part 330 isspaced apart from the second intermediate portion 360 of the secondextending part 332. The first intermediate portion 354 of the firstextending part 330 is spaced apart from the second intermediate portion360 of the second extending part 332 in the second direction D82. Thefirst end portion 350 of the first extending part 330 is coupled to thesecond guide plate 322. The third end portion 356 of the secondextending part 332 is coupled to the second guide plate 322. The firstend portion 350 of the first extending part 330 is spaced apart from thethird end portion 356 of the second extending part 332 in the seconddirection D82. The second end portion 352 of the first extending part330 is coupled to the fourth end portion 358 of the second extendingpart 332.

The fastening hole 330A is disposed between the first end portion 350and the second end portion 352 to secure the first extending part 330 tothe first guide member 318A. The fastening hole 330B is disposed betweenthe first end portion 350 and the second end portion 352 to secure thefirst extending part 330 to the first guide member 318A. However, thefastening holes 330A and 330B can be disposed in another position.

As seen in FIG. 43 , the first extending part 330 extends in a firstextending direction D91. The second extending part 332 extends in asecond extending direction D92. The first extending direction D91 isnon-parallel to the second extending direction D92. The firstintermediate portion 354 extends in the first extending direction D91from the first end portion 350 to the second end portion 352. The secondintermediate portion 360 extends in the second extending direction D92from the third end portion 356 to the fourth end portion 358. The firstextending direction D91 is parallel to the first direction D81. Thesecond extending direction D92 is inclined relative to the firstextending direction D91 and the first direction D81.

The second extending part 332 is disposed on a downstream side of thefirst extending part 330 with respect to a driving direction D93 of thechain C. The driving direction D93 of the chain C is a direction inwhich the chain C passes through the chain-guide space 324 duringpedaling. The driving direction D93 is substantially parallel to thesecond direction D82.

The first extending part 330 has a first width W1 defined in the seconddirection D82. The second extending part 332 has a second width W2defined in the second direction D82. The first width W1 is differentfrom the second width W2. The first width W1 is larger than the secondwidth W2. However, the first width W1 can be equal to or smaller thanthe second width W2.

The first additional coupling arm 342 is spaced apart from the firstcoupling arm 340. The first extending part 330 is provided between thefirst coupling arm 340 and the first additional coupling arm 342. Thefirst additional coupling arm 342 is spaced apart from the firstcoupling arm 340 in the second direction D82. The first extending part330 is provided between the first coupling arm 340 and the firstadditional coupling arm 342 in the second direction D82.

The second guide member 318B includes a guide-plate opening 362 definedby the second guide plate 322, the first extending part 330, and thesecond extending part 332. The second guide plate 322, the firstextending part 330, and the second extending part 332 are arranged tosurround the guide-plate opening 362. As seen in FIGS. 38 and 43 , thefirst coupling arm 340 is provided in the guide-plate opening 362.

In the above modification depicted in FIGS. 38 to 43 , the extendingpart 326 is integrally provided with the second guide plate 322 as aone-piece unitary member. The securing part 328 is integrally providedwith the first guide plate 160 as a one-piece unitary member. However,the extending part 326 can be a separate member from the second guideplate 322, The securing part 328 can be a separate member from the firstguide plate 160. The structures of the first guide member 318A and thesecond guide member 318B can be applied to the chain guide 18 of thebicycle derailleur 10 and 210 of the first and second embodiments.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have,” “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member,” “section,” “portion,” “part,” “element,” “body” and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement,” and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of,” as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be usedinterchangeably herein.

The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one ormore” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of”as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both oftwo choices” if the number of its choices is two. For other example, thephrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only onesingle choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices”if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three. Forinstance, the phrase “at least one of A and B” encompasses (1) A alone,(2), B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B,and C” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both Aand B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. Inother words, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “atleast one of A and at least one of B” in this disclosure.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.All of numerical values described in the present application can beconstrued as including the terms such as “substantially,” “about” and“approximately.”

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle derailleur comprising: a base memberhaving at least one first link-pin-receiving opening; a chain guidemovable relative to the base member from a lower-gear position to ahigher-gear position to move a chain in an outward-shifting direction,the chain guide being movable relative to the base member from thehigher-gear position to the lower-gear position to move the chain in aninward-shifting direction which is an opposite direction of theoutward-shifting direction; a motor unit having at least one secondlink-pin-receiving opening; and a linkage structure comprising: at leastone link member configured to movably couple the chain guide to the basemember, the at least one link member having at least one thirdlink-pin-receiving opening; and at least one link pin configured topivotally couple the at least one link member to the base member aboutat least one link pivot axis, one of the at least one link pin beingconfigured to extend through the at least one first link-pin-receivingopening, the at least one second link-pin-receiving opening, and the atleast one third link-pin-receiving opening, wherein the at least onelink member includes an inner link member, the at least one link pivotaxis includes an inner-link pivot axis, the at least one link pinincludes an inner link pin configured to pivotally couple the inner linkmember to the base member about the inner-link pivot axis, the at leastone first link-pin-receiving opening of the base member includes atleast one first inner link-pin-receiving opening, the at least onesecond link-pin-receiving opening of the motor unit includes at leastone second inner link-pin-receiving opening, the at least one thirdlink-pin-receiving opening of the at least one link member includes atleast one third inner link-pin-receiving opening that the inner linkmember has, and the inner link pin is configured to extend through theat least one first inner link-pin-receiving opening, the at least onesecond inner link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one thirdinner link-pin-receiving opening.
 2. The bicycle derailleur according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one first link-pin-receiving opening, theat least one second link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least onethird link-pin-receiving opening are provided coaxially with each otherin an assembled state of the bicycle derailleur.
 3. The bicyclederailleur according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first innerlink-pin-receiving opening, the at least one second innerlink-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one third innerlink-pin-receiving opening are provided coaxially with each other on aninner co-axis in an assembled state of the bicycle derailleur.
 4. Thebicycle derailleur according to claim 3, wherein the at least one firstinner link-pin-receiving opening includes a pair of first innerlink-pin-receiving openings, and at least one of the at least one secondinner link-pin-receiving opening and the at least one third innerlink-pin-receiving opening are disposed between the pair of first innerlink-pin-receiving openings in an axial direction with respect to theinner co-axis.
 5. The bicycle derailleur according to claim 3, whereinthe at least one third inner link-pin-receiving opening includes a pairof third inner link-pin-receiving openings, and the at least one secondinner link-pin-receiving opening is disposed between the pair of thirdinner link-pin-receiving openings in an axial direction with respect tothe inner co-axis.
 6. The bicycle derailleur according to claim 1,wherein the at least one link member includes an outer link member, theat least one link pivot axis includes an outer-link pivot axis, the atleast one link pin includes an outer link pin configured to pivotallycouple the outer link member to the base member about the outer-linkpivot axis, the at least one first link-pin-receiving opening of thebase member includes at least one first outer link-pin-receivingopening, the at least one second link-pin-receiving opening of the motorunit includes at least one second outer link-pin-receiving opening, theat least one third link-pin-receiving opening of the at least one linkmember includes at least one third outer link-pin-receiving opening thatthe outer link member has, and the outer link pin is configured toextend through the at least one first outer link-pin-receiving opening,the at least one second outer link-pin-receiving opening, and the atleast one third outer link-pin-receiving opening.
 7. The bicyclederailleur according to claim 6, wherein the at least one first outerlink-pin-receiving opening, the at least one second outerlink-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one third outerlink-pin-receiving opening are provided coaxially with each other on anouter co-axis in an assembled state of the bicycle derailleur.
 8. Thebicycle derailleur according to claim 7, wherein the at least one firstouter link-pin-receiving opening includes a pair of first outerlink-pin-receiving openings, and at least one of the at least one secondouter link-pin-receiving opening and the at least one third outerlink-pin-receiving opening is disposed between the pair of first outerlink-pin-receiving openings in an axial direction with respect to theouter co-axis.
 9. The bicycle derailleur according to claim 7, whereinthe at least one first outer link-pin-receiving opening includes a pairof first outer link-pin-receiving openings, and the at least one secondouter link-pin-receiving opening is disposed outside a space definedbetween the pair of first outer link-pin-receiving openings in an axialdirection with respect to the outer co-axis.
 10. The bicycle derailleuraccording to claim 1, wherein the motor unit is configured to applyrotational force to the at least one link pin to rotate the at least onelink pin and to pivot at least one link member relative to the basemember about at least one link pivot axis.
 11. The bicycle derailleuraccording to claim 1, wherein the motor unit includes an outputstructure coupled to the at least one link pin to be rotatable relativeto the base member about the at least one link pivot axis.
 12. A bicyclederailleur comprising: a base member; a chain guide movable relative tothe base member; a motor unit configured to move the chain guiderelative to the base member; and a linkage structure configured tomovably couple the chain guide to the base member, the linkage structurecomprising: an inner link member pivotally coupled to the base memberabout an inner-link pivot axis; and an outer link member pivotallycoupled to the base member about an outer-link pivot axis, the motorunit being coupled to the inner link member to drive the inner linkmember about the inner-link pivot axis such that the inner link memberdrives the linkage structure to move the chain guide in relation to thebase member, and the base member, the motor unit, and the link memberbeing provided to at least partially overlap with each other in aplurality of separate areas as viewed along the link pivot axis.
 13. Thebicycle derailleur according to claim 12, wherein the linkage structurefurther comprises: an inner link pin configured to pivotally couple theinner link member to the base member about the inner-link pivot axis;and an outer link pin configured to pivotally couple the outer linkmember to the base member about the outer-link pivot axis, the basemember, the motor unit, and the inner link member are provided to atleast partially overlap with each other in a first separate area of theplurality of separate areas as viewed along the inner-link pivot axis,the base member, the motor unit, and the outer link member are providedto at least partially overlap with each other in a second separate areaof the plurality of separate areas as viewed along the outer-link pivotaxis, and the first separate area being spaced apart from the secondseparate area.
 14. The bicycle derailleur according to claim 12, whereinthe linkage structure further comprises an inner link pin configured topivotally couple the inner link member to the base member about theinner-link pivot axis, and the motor unit is directly coupled to theinner link pin.
 15. A link pin for a bicycle derailleur, comprising: apin body including a first end portion, a second end portion and anintermediate portion extending between the first end portion and thesecond end portion in a longitudinal direction with respect to alongitudinal axis of the link pin; a tool-engagement profile configuredto engage with a tool for rotating the link pin and provided to at leastone of the first end portion, the second end portion, and theintermediate portion, and a torque-transmitting profile configured totransmit rotational force of the link pin to a link member of thebicycle derailleur and provided to at least one of the first endportion, the second end portion, and the intermediate portion.
 16. Thelink pin according to claim 15, wherein the torque-transmitting profilehas a polygonal shape.
 17. The link pin according to claim 15, whereinthe torque-transmitting profile has a hexagonal shape.
 18. The link pinaccording to claim 15, wherein the torque-transmitting profile includesat least one flat first surface.
 19. The link pin according to claim 15,wherein the tool-engagement profile has a polygonal shape.
 20. The linkpin according to claim 15, wherein the tool-engagement profile has ahexagonal shape.
 21. The link pin according to claim 15, wherein thetool-engagement profile includes at least one flat inner surface. 22.The link pin according to claim 15, wherein the tool-engagement profileis provided at the first end, the first end has a first outer diameter,the second end has a second outer diameter, and the first outer diameteris larger than the second outer diameter.
 23. The link pin according toclaim 15, wherein the torque-transmitting profile is closer to the firstend than to the second end.
 24. A bicycle derailleur comprising: a basemember; a chain guide movable relative to the base member; a linkagestructure configured to movably couple the chain guide to the basemember, the linkage structure comprising: a first link member pivotallycoupled to the base member about a first pivot axis; and a second linkmember pivotally coupled to the base member about a second pivot axis, afirst reference line extending through the first pivot axis and thesecond pivot axis to establish a boundary between a first area and asecond area as viewed along the first pivot axis; a motor unitconfigured to move the chain guide relative to the base member, themotor unit comprising: a motor configured to generate rotational force;and a gear structure including a plurality of gears configured totransmit the rotational force to at least one of the chain guide and thelinkage structure, the chain guide being provided in the first area withrespect to the first reference line as viewed along the first pivotaxis, wherein the motor includes an output shaft that isnon-perpendicular to the first pivot axis.
 25. The bicycle derailleuraccording to claim 24, wherein the first link member is pivotallycoupled to the chain guide about a third pivot axis, the second linkmember is pivotally coupled to the chain guide about a fourth pivotaxis, a second reference line extends through the second pivot axis andthe fourth pivot axis as viewed along the first pivot axis, a thirdreference line extends through the third pivot axis and the fourth pivotaxis as viewed along the first pivot axis, a fourth reference lineextends through the first pivot axis and the third pivot axis as viewedalong the first pivot axis, and the gear structure is at least partlyprovided in an arrangement area surrounded by the first reference line,the second reference line, the third reference line, and the fourthreference line as viewed along the first pivot axis.
 26. The bicyclederailleur according to claim 24, further comprising a rotation sensor,wherein the plurality of gears includes a sensor gear at least partlyprovided in the first area as viewed along the first pivot axis, and therotation sensor is configured to sense a rotational position of thesensor gear.
 27. The bicycle derailleur according to claim 26, whereinthe sensor gear is provided on a rotational-force transmission pathprovided from the motor to the at least one of the chain guide and thelinkage.
 28. The bicycle derailleur according to claim 24, wherein atleast one gear of the plurality of gears is at least partly provided inthe first area as viewed along the first pivot axis, and the motor isentirely provided in the second area as viewed along the first pivotaxis.
 29. The bicycle derailleur according to claim 24, wherein at leastone of the motor and at least one gear having a circular outer profileof the gear structure being at least partly provided in the first areaas viewed along the first pivot axis.
 30. The bicycle derailleuraccording to claim 24, wherein the motor is entirely provided in thesecond area as viewed along the first pivot axis.
 31. The bicyclederailleur according to claim 24, wherein an entirety of the outputshaft is provided in the second area as viewed along the first pivotaxis.